rekabr52

So, despite all the hybrid hype it will use a CT7, the same engine as used in the Bell 214ST, to generate the energy required to operate the electrical portion of the aircraft. I personally see this experiment as a technological dead end.

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kent.misegades

All this will generate is entropy and a check-off for the woke CEO.

John_B

Ahhh, but you missed the point. Technologically, I would agree. But if you properly use buzzwords like Green, Electric, Hybrid, etc in the correct context, the Feds will show up at your doors with truckloads of greenbacks. As my kid says, “Follow the money.”

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johnphi

So despite all the hype Mr. Wright, you only flew a maximum of 852 feet before your toy stopped in the sand? I personally see this experiment as a technological dead end.

So despite all the hype Mr. Sikorsky, you can only fly a handful of miles and can barely carry anything more than the pilot? I personally see this experiment as a technological dead end.

So despite all the hype Captain Yeager, you only flew a handful of seconds, just a little bit above the speed of sound and then you ran out of fuel? I personally see this experiment as a technological dead end.

So despite all the hype Mr. Allen, you’re new airplane has to stop in Canada before it can even fly across the Atlantic? I personally see this experiment as a technological dead end.

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maule

I’m interested that Sikorsky is now involved in this. They are of course a legitimate manufacturer, unlike the countless little start ups we have been reading about.

This can be because of one of two factors as I see it.

1. There is some possibility in eVTOL making profitable a niche for itself in the future.
2. There is government handout money to be collected.

I honestly don’t know which it is now.

I had disregarded the efforts of the little companies as motivated by ‘green’ dollars from handouts and gullible investors but Sikorsky is the real deal.

Of course this is NOT an ‘e’ anything. It’s a CT7 turboshaft engine and a generator. Much like a diesel electric train, and I’m fine with that.

As I have opined the fatal flaw in ‘e’ aviation (or anything for that matter) is NOT the motor but the batteries. Replace the batteries with a proper engine or an HFC and it can be made to work.

rpstrong

Thumbs up.

Skypark

Beyond the stated technology evaluations, the ultimately targeted use is suitably program-announcement vague.

In the military-backed companion program(s) the intended use of hybrid VTOL seems to be primarily recon, with battery power allowing periods when the sustainer engine can be shut down for lower sound signature. This announcement doesn’t clarify whether or not battery power is even being incorporated, but if not, what is the point?

davisnewman

The only way we will get beyond hydrocarbons is research.

maule

No need.

The US has adequate hydrocarbons yet to be tapped to last generations.

Someday, in the distant future, long after we are a world leader in energy and energy independence, we will have built enough nuclear reactors to replace fossil fuels.

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JohnKliewer

If and when that happens William it will happen in spite of hydrocarbon loving advocates.

Brad_Smilth

Yup. E-anything is the keyword to bring the “Green Planet” folks bending down and worshiping at the alter of e-power.