Electrically Powered Ultralight Aircraft

Morgans wrote:
"Dana wrote
The major problem is the weight of the batteries, still far heavier
than gasoline. Also the lithium polymer batteries used are still
quite expensive (over $10,000 for enough for a half hour flight) and
somewhat dangerous (sort them out and they can explode!)

Damn straight! No way am I going to strap a bunch of lithium polymer
batteries to my butt.

Some of the newer Lithium iron cells, maybe, but they also cost a LOT
more.
Still, electric flight, like many have said, still have a way to go.

And as if we need more proof of this.

TOKYO: Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. will delay by one or two years the rollout
of new high-mileage hybrids with lithium-ion batteries because of safety
concerns, reported a newspaper.

Toyota's decision was prompted by worries that the batteries could overheat,
catch fire or even explode, the Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported in
its online edition, quoting unnamed Toyota executives.

On Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:13:55 -0400, Dana M. Hague
d(dash)m(dash)hague(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in
:

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:58:07 GMT, Larry Dighera
wrote:

If a 14 HP electric propulsion system weighing 46 lbs could be
constructed, apparently it would permit the use of PPGs by pilots up
to 180 lbs.

A PPG is a LOT more efficient than a powered parachute (PPC), but
still far less efficient than a rigid wing. Still, several electric
PPG's have been flown. The primary goal here is noise and vibration
reduction, a worthy goal when the engine is strapped to the pilot's
back.

The major problem is the weight of the batteries, still far heavier
than gasoline. Also the lithium polymer batteries used are still
quite expensive (over $10,000 for enough for a half hour flight) and
somewhat dangerous (sort them out and they can explode!)

-Dana

That's interesting information. Thank you.


It sounds like you have quite a bit of experience in this area. Are
you able to provide links to any forums or web sites related to this
topic?

Are
you able to provide links to any forums or web sites related to this


Check this out: http://www.calcars.org/news-archive.html

David Johnson

On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:12:09 GMT, Larry Dighera
wrote:

It sounds like you have quite a bit of experience in this area. Are
you able to provide links to any forums or web sites related to this
topic?

Try http://electricppg.com

I've been flying PPG for about 6 years now; got into it when I
realized I couldn't afford to restore my Taylorcraft. Finally managed
to get another plane (Kolb this time), but PPG is so much fun I don't
intend to give it up.

Never flew an electric PPG, though... they're still pretty rare birds.

-Dana
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