As we all know, electric cars are all the rage. What about electric flight? Is it even possible?
Electric Planes
It is not only possible, but electric airplanes are here already, albeit with some obstacles remaining. The main obstacle is the FAA. For some strange reason, they think that electric motors aren’t as reliable as infernal combustion engines. Other less backward nations are charging ahead (excuse the pun). Check out this article describing some electric aircraft ready for production.
Electric Multi-copters
You may already be familiar with an amazing type of hobby R/C aircraft resembling a helicopter, but instead of one central drive shaft, they employ 4, 6, or even 8 or more, separated by spokes. The go by various names such as quadri-copter and octo-copter. They are small, electric-powered, and can do amazing things like carry full size digital cameras and still climb straight out of sight in mere seconds. Their stability is 100% due to built-in accelerometers. They can even fly themselves with on-board GPS.The question begs to be asked – is it possible to scale these things up for human flight? Ponder no more – it can and has been done. This 16-copter aircraft has successfully flown with a man on-board. With such a simple and inexpensive technology, can wide-spread use of this type of craft for human flight be far behind?
If you don’t want to wait, you can buy your own quadracopter R/C model today that you can control with your iphone, ipad or Android device.
Have fun daydreaming!
