When it comes to environmental impacts, the global aviation industry accounts for only 2% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is growing concern for the environment. Since 1990, the industry has witnessed an 83% increase in emission levels. The main reason for this has been the increasing number of fossil fuel-powered aircraft soaring through the skies. However, gaseous emissions cannot be singled out as the only environmental impact. Emissions of water vapor at high altitudes cause a phenomenon called contrails. These residual plumes of exhaust gases contribute to the global warming effect by trapping the heat emanating from the Earth’s surface.
While adverse effects on the environment and stringent environmental regulatory standards are an important reason, they are not the only reasons to switch to greener powertrain and power systems. A move towards electric / hybrid powertrains can translate into a business advantage for companies investing in them. One of the most decisive advantages of electric motors is that they are lighter and cheaper than their gas turbine counterparts.
The lighter weight of electric motors opens up a world of design possibilities. This particular advantage of the electric motor allows them to be easily incorporated into new designs as well as existing electrically compatible designs. An example of this that is destined to significantly affect urban air mobility solutions is the use of electromagnetic energy in the next generation of Tilt-Wing Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. The flexibility of the electrical cables gives them an obvious compatibility advantage with the orientation of the wings on the rigid fuel lines.
We have started steadily flying in the right direction. The promise of cleaner flight over new and exciting borders has attracted companies from around the world. An example that has come to the fore is that of Zunum Aero. The Seattle-based aerospace company plans to commercially deploy electric aircraft. The aircraft under development is estimated to have a cruising speed of 545 kilometers per hour with a flight range of more than 1,100 kilometers. The aircraft’s revolutionary design features a V-shaped tail and an all-electric propulsion gear that powers two motors.
The global aerospace industry continues to grow at a rapid pace to meet the requirements of airlines. The industry faces increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) value chain to increase the efficiency and overall reliability of the asset. L&T Technology Services decades of experience in the aerospace industry have allowed us to quickly adapt to provide a wide range of custom engineering services.