Both electric vehicles and vertical take-off and landing aircraft (otherwise known as drones) are having their renaissance in 2019, with more and more companies moving away from traditional aircraft design.
We have already written pieces on the future of electric aircraft, in addition to the use of drones in the construction and agricultural industries. It is an exciting time for aerospace innovation, and staying on top of industry developments is essential when pursuing graduate opportunities.
Most recently, an aerospace company from Massachusetts, Alaka’i Technologies, has announced the development of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company’s conceptual five-passenger aircraft, known as Skai, is moving beyond traditional Lithium-ion batteries towards a more sustainable source of energy – powered exclusively by hydrogen fuel cells.
Alakai Technologies Corporation
This new fuel cell technology, designed by Alaka’i in partnership with BMW Group’s Designworks, are moving towards practical uses of the aircraft by 2021. Skai will have a range over 700km, will carry payloads up to 450kg over a flight duration of 4 hours – with speeds up to 180 km/h.
You can read more about this ambitious project here