航空分野の気候変動対策に大きく貢献すると期待される「持続可能な航空燃料(SAF)」。このほどユナイテッド航空が片方のエンジンの燃料をSAFのみとする試験飛行を成功させた。その需要は拡大基調にある反面、幅広い商用化に向けては課題も残る。
…
飛行機の“待ち時間”もCO2排出量も削減、全米の空港に導入される新システムの劇的な効果
空港で飛行機が“渋滞”すれば遅延が発生し、無駄な燃料が消費されて二酸化炭素(CO2)の排出量が増える。しかも乗客は待たされる──。こんな悪循環を解消すべく、航空機の円滑な離着陸を可能にするシステムが開発された。全米27カ所の空港に導入が予定されているこの新システムは、遅延や無用なCO2排出を極力なくす効果が期待されている。
…
Wright tests its 2-megawatt electric engines for passenger planes
Just like the automotive industry, aerospace has its sights set on going electric — but flying with battery-powered engines is a tougher proposition than rolling. Wright is among the startups looking to change the math and make electrified flight possible at scales beyond small aircraft — and its 2-megawatt engine could power the first generation […]
YC grad Buoyant wants to solve middle-mile delivery with cargo airships
Buoyant says its hybrid design solves the notoriously difficult problem of dropping off cargo – difficult because as airships offload weight, they risk shooting back up into the air.
17 Crew, 2 Trucks, 24/7
What do you do with a blimp semi-rigid airship after it’s done flying? (SLYT)
Judge denies Wisk Aero’s request for preliminary injunction against Archer Aviation
Electric aviation startup Wisk Aero’s request for a preliminary injunction against rival Archer Aviation was denied by a federal judge Thursday, the latest in an ongoing legal battle over whether Archer stole trade secrets in developing its flagship Maker aircraft. A full written opinion has not yet been published. In a tentative ruling filed earlier […]