On Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 11:45:05 AM UTC+2, Dave Walsh wrote:
A real problem is putting the word "KISS" and "FES" is the same
sentence or indeed "KISS" and "electric propulsion".
There is nothing simple about electric motors powered by LiPo batteries.

The technology of the motor is very mature and much simpler than of a jet or a combustion engine, which has a direct impact on maintenance needs and on reliability. I agree that the batteries do add cost, complexity and fire hazard (until we find a better technology than LiPo).

The FES has way few moving parts than a pylon. If it doesn’t work, you just keep flying the same glider. See Dave’s talk on motor-gliders for a good overview of all that can go wrong with pylons http://www.nadler.com/papers/2018_So...pdated_2 .pdf.