On the way to eleсtriсally driven aviation era

Аuthors

Gerashchenko A. N.^*, Makhrov V. P.^**

*e-mail: mai@mai.ru
**e-mail: v_machrov@rambler.ru

Abstract

This article examines the new type of the aircrafts — electrically drivenaircrafts (electro-aircrafts).Presented two trends of development of present-day electro- aircrafts, which use electric energy for mission operations. The first trend lies in meansimplementation ofsolar radiation energy by converting it on-board into electric energy by means of photoelectric converters allocatedon the surface of the aircraft. The second trendisimplementation of the electric energy stored on boardin batteries. Each of the trends include either manned or unmanned (UAV) prototypes of electro- aircrafts. From the first trend, so-called solar UAVs (or SUAVs) have widely spread in the forms of sport model aircraftsand industrial designs. The paper presents NASA achievements in the field of electric UAVs, designed in the course of its twenty-year ecology program ERAST, which at present time has expired. It also observes NASAs challenges for the development of such aircrafts in the future. The paper examines design features of SUAV Helios HP01. It is noted that even at a low value of efficiency of solar batteries SUAV can be competitive with satellites for monitoring the Earth surface. In addition, the paper notes the works with UVA carried out in MAI. The layout of the first Swiss man- carrying aircraft driven by solar energy, which was in flight within 24 hours is presented.

The second trend of electro-aircrafts development was presented for the first time at Berlin ILA-2014 exhibition by two existing prototypes. The main attention there was focusedon the electro-aircraft E-Fan, presented by the Airbusgroup. This flying vehicle can be considered as a prospective for ecological transport aviation. The paper presents its technical characteristics, and marks its design features based on composite materials, Li-Ion batteries, allocated in the wing, and original propelling screw.

Austrian firm Diamond Aircraft Industries involved in the development and creation of small aircraft prototypes presented its vision of on-board electric power source. At Berlin exhibition, it demonstrated its electro- aircraft LANDE with promising on-board battery, based on hydrogen fuel cells, similar to those used in the space industry. It is noted that such power systems were designed for UAV at MAI. Experts believe that in the future hydrogen energy sources will replace batteries for electric transport helicopters. Helicopter firm Agusta Westland designed, manufactured and tested with electric system and original structure of the flying wing type with two swivel propellers for vertical takeoff and landing.

Two micro UAVs, built by helicopter and aircraft schemes with electrical on-board systems-MIKADO and ALADIN correspondinglywere presented at Berlin exhibition. These flying vehicles have small mass and size, and are intended for near-field reconnaissance by one fighter. They were tested in Afghanistan for air reconnaissance, mapping and other military operations. At present, armies of Germany and NATO have a great number of such aircrafts.

All prototypes of electro-aircrafts presented are promising.

Keywords:

aircraft, electro-aircraft, electricity vehicle, electric batteries, solar energy, design

References

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