"Andy" wrote in message
oups.com...


Price of $15 000 for the batterie is not so expansive.

It's one of the costs of ownership that has to be compared with the
cost of maintaining/replacing an internal combustion engine. A
previous poster was concerned about the cost of replacing the ASH26E
engine and the Antares battery cost seems to be comparable.

Andy


I don't think it's fair to compare those items directly. You *know* you will
have to replace the Antares batteries after X number of discharge/charge
cycles or years.

This is not the case with the ASH26E, as it is most unlikely the engine
would ever need to be replaced during the average lifetime of use - - there
has been but one engine failure requiring complete replacement in the US . .
.. and it seems there were extenuating circumstances even in that case.

Of course there are other costs, related to operating an internal combustion
engine, that may more appropriately be compared to the cost of those battery
packs. Stuff like fuel, oil, and the additional engine maintenance of an IC
engine as compared to an electric motor.

The IC engine maintenance seems to be the big variable, with things like the
odd water pump leak and spark plugs to replace. There's also the engine
start sealed lead acid battery to replace every 3 to 5 years (though in my
26E, that amounts to only $60 - - $30 each for two 18 amp hour bats - - one
is for avionics).

I see the main advantage of electric launch as convenience, simplicity, and
reliability (?). The "convenience" is limited, though, to flip-a-switch
operation and probably much less engine maintenance. On balance, the
electric will not be so convenient to use for safari type trips or even
extended day trips that require longer engine runs (i.e. using the glider as
Kempton has for flying from near the California coast, over the Sierra, and
on to the Great Basin in NV. This requires a substantial initial climb, then
glide over a wide sink-hole, and then another long climb to clear the
Sierra - - okay, now where do I plug this sucker in?!).

Each method of propulsion, like the glider designs themselves, has it's
merits and drawbacks, so it looks like variety should be around for awhile.

bumper