3. Electric Aircraft

Introduction

As global air travel continues to grow, there are increasing concerns about the environmental impact of aviation. It has been projected that by 2050, the aviation sector could contribute up to 43 Gt of carbon emissions if current trends continue. The combustion of fossil fuels not only produces carbon dioxide but also emits harmful oxides and particulates, contributing to air pollution. Electric power sources have been explored in aviation since the early 1970s, and while modern advancements have improved flight times, challenges such as load-carrying capacity and turnaround times remain. This project challenges students to explore how electric or hybrid aircraft can be developed and implemented to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in aviation.

Task

Your team has been tasked with designing and proposing an electric or hybrid aircraft for commercial use by 2050, with the goal of reducing fossil fuel dependency in air travel. The proposal should outline the most suitable sector of the air travel market for launching the aircraft and include estimates of research, manufacturing, and operational costs. Additionally, the plan must provide a roadmap for introducing the aircraft into the global fleet and phasing out conventional aircraft.

Considerations

1. Technology
Your design should address the power source (fully electric or hybrid), power density, flight dynamics, and overall feasibility. Consider advancements in lightweight materials, energy storage solutions, and aircraft aerodynamics to optimise efficiency. The proof-of-concept must demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of handling the demands of commercial air travel while offering a viable alternative to conventional fuel-powered planes.

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2. Infrastructure
Consider the infrastructure required to support your electric or hybrid aircraft, including recharging or refuelling facilities, airport modifications, and emergency protocols. Address the challenges related to energy supply, charging times, and aircraft turnaround time to ensure the aircraft can be efficiently integrated into the existing aviation system.

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3. Market Factors
Analyse the market demand for electric or hybrid aircraft, considering factors like flight range, passenger capacity, recharging times, and costs. You should also consider the target market, whether your aircraft is suited for short-haul flights, long-haul flights, or niche markets and how it will compare with conventional aircraft in terms of profitability and operational efficiency.

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4. Safety, Security, and Risks
Ensuring safety is critical for any aircraft design, particularly when adopting new technologies like electric power sources. Your design must comply with existing aviation safety standards, and you should assess the risks associated with electric or hybrid power systems, including fire hazards, battery malfunctions, or system failures. Additionally, consider security issues related to the charging or refuelling infrastructure.

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5. Project Management Approach
Develop a clear project management plan that outlines key stages, milestones, and timelines for research, development, prototyping, and testing. Consider how you will manage team collaboration, resource allocation, and risk throughout the project’s lifecycle. Additionally, provide contingency plans to address unexpected challenges.

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6. Costing and Feasibility
Provide a detailed cost analysis of your proposed electric or hybrid aircraft, including research and development, manufacturing, and operational costs. Consider the overall cost of bringing the aircraft to market, including government subsidies or incentives that may help reduce initial costs. The proposal should also demonstrate the cost-benefit ratio compared to conventional aircraft.

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7. Sustainability, Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sustainability is a critical driver for the shift toward electric aircraft. Provide a full lifecycle analysis of the materials used in your aircraft and explore the sustainability of the entire process, from production to disposal. Additionally, consider how your aircraft design promotes inclusivity and diversity, ensuring it meets global sustainability goals and benefits a wide range of communities.

Questions to consider:

Further Information