Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazarus
This is interesting. Claiming better FE then a Prius. 97.5g of CO2 per passenger km.
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This is a VERY interesting concept.
I have to stress something that many potential fliers fear: The Propeller!
I give props to the props. I fly on propeller planes, on the average of once a month (over the last 7-8 years), and I'm still here -- it's safe!. They're more efficient than jets, slightly slower (maybe 5-10 minutes per hour of flight) -- but that's what they were meant to do: Regional Service.
Saab 340 Twin Turbo-Prop
My least favorite plane is the "Regional Jet". 50 Passengers crammed into a 2X2 seating arrangement, and even on flights in excess of 2 hours. Painfully uncomfortable -- and forget about getting any work done (plus larger airliner pilots are short-changed). The single row on each side makes every seat a window and aisle. Everybody wins.
My questions for the "ecoJet" design:
- How does the gearbox reduce the prop noise? Propellers are generally "Featherable" meaning they twist to produce zero forward thrust (or a reversing/resistance action), or angled to produce forward pull (controllable). They make noise in the variety of settings.
- Wings swept forward = less stability. I wonder if complex computer-controls and systems (similar to the F-16 SFW) will be required to maintain stability.
I can't recall seeing a twin turbo-prop, fuselage-mounted engine layout with a low-wing setup. Cool!
Review: Props are efficient, safe, and hopefully making a comeback.
Great link, Laz!
RH77