Thursday 20 August 2020

NASA starts simulations on new zero emission jet for ‘a cleaner way to fly’

NASA has unveiled the first steps in the development of its first crewed electric X-Plane, as part of its ambition to make electric air transportation a part of everyday life.

The US space agency has published photos of the electric aircraft named 'X-57 Maxwell', which aims to offer a cleaner way to fly - compared with conventional jets, the engineering team says the jet will use five times less energy.

Its propulsion system, which is in the final configuration, features 14 battery-powered electric motors and propellers.

A total of 12 are set to provide lift during takeoff and landing and one at the edge of each wing will provide forward propulsion during flight.

The new plane is currently at the stage of simulations - a team of engineers from across three NASA centres is currently using supercomputers to simulate flight conditions for the X-57.

These computer simulations help to accurately model how an electric-powered propulsion system could perform mid-flight, as well as allow pilots to test emergency scenarios and safe recovery measures.