When it comes to environmental impacts, the global aviation industry accounts for only 2% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is growing environmental concern. Since 1990, the industry has witnessed an 83% increase in emission levels. The main reason for this has been the increasing number of fossil fuel-powered aircraft taking to the skies. Gaseous emissions, however, cannot be singled out as the only environmental impact. High-altitude water vapor emissions cause a phenomenon called contrails. These residual plumes of exhaust gases contribute to the global warming effect by trapping heat emanating from the Earth’s surface.
While adverse effects on the environment and stringent environmental regulatory standards are a major driver, they are not the only drivers for switching to greener power and propulsion systems. A shift to electric/hybrid powertrains can translate into a commercial advantage for companies that invest in them. One of the most decisive advantages of electric motors is that they are lighter and cheaper than their gas turbine counterparts.
The lighter weight of electric motors opens up a world of design possibilities. This particular advantage of the electric motor allows them to be easily incorporated into new designs as well as existing compatible electrical designs. An example of this that is about to greatly affect urban air mobility solutions is the use of electromagnetic energy in the next generation of tilt-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The flexibility of electrical cables gives them a distinct wing orientation compatibility advantage over rigid fuel lines.
We have started to fly steadily in the right direction. The promise of cleaner flight over exciting new frontiers has attracted companies from around the world. An example that has come to light is that of Zunum Aero. The Seattle-based aerospace company plans to commercially deploy electric planes. The aircraft under development is estimated to have a cruising speed of 545 km/h with a flight range of more than 1,100 km. The aircraft’s revolutionary design features a V-shaped tail and an all-electric propulsion gear that drives twin motors.
The global aerospace industry continues to grow at a rapid rate to meet the requirements of airlines. The industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) value chain to increase overall asset efficiency and reliability. L&T Technology Services’ decades of experience in the aerospace industry have allowed us to quickly adapt to provide a wide range of custom engineering services.