Uncle Fuzzy wrote:
On Nov 1, 7:07 am, Darryl Ramm wrote:
On Nov 1, 4:29 am, Andy wrote:

It would be interestingly they claim level flight for 120km which is
greater distance than a 4,300' climb will normally allow you to glide.
Just plucking numbers out of thin air of 50 knots for optimal climb
and cruise speeds (I expect climb would be slower) and an L/D of 50:1.
You would travel 22 km in the climb and glide 65km for a total of
87km. It would require a L/D 74 to match the straight cruise. The
exact optimal speeds and the profile of the climb as battery power
diminishes likely affects all this.

A nice side effect, running on electric power, is that you probably
won't have to use the common "saw tooth" technique that you adopt on
combustion engine SSG:s running full throttle.

An electrical engine with engine control can easily be used to run on
half power, making saw toothing unnecessary. That said, the engine
control system must not have excessive loss running partial throttle.

This used to be a problem in electrical model aircraft control circuits.
With todays speed controls this is usually no longer a problem.

I would like to have the batteries in my wings though. The idea of
having a solid block of metal/lithium/what not behind my back in a crash
is a bit scary. But I guess at these weights its not worse than having
your average Solo behind you.

But if I would wish, that would be my option.

Having flown electric model aircrafts since about 1983-1984, I give a
standing ovation to this and other electrical SSG/SLG solutions coming
out of various manufacturers.

Look at model aircrafts, today most starts to fly with electric power.
Back in 1980'ies others laughed at you, claiming it was never going to
be big. If we look 10-20 years ahead I think no-one will choose a
combustion engine over an electrical in a new glider.

We will now also be able to benefit from all money being plowed down on
battery technology in the car industry.

I have high hopes for the future going electric, it fits so nice with
our beloved sport.

Go-go,
Anders P