As reported by Reuters, Honeywell International has announced its first deal for its most powerful generator with Flying Whales Airships Quebec Inc.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: General view of the Honeywell mask factory where US President Donald Trump will visit and hold a roundtable on Native American issues on May 05, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona.
The one-megawatt generator will be used on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) airship that is 200 meters long. With the growing number of companies working on electric or hybrid aircraft, Honeywell's generator may be used for other hybrid aircraft applications.
In fact, one megawatt of power is enough to power Honeywell's 110-acre campus for testing engines in Arizona. As for Flying Whales, they will use four generators per airship.
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VTOLs and Hybrid Electric Aircraft Today
The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and today, there is a growing interest in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) airships and electric hybrid aircraft. These aircraft offer several benefits over traditional fixed-wing planes, including increased efficiency, reduced noise pollution, and improved safety.
VTOL airships are designed to take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. These aircraft are typically smaller than traditional planes and can be used in various applications, including transportation, search and rescue, and military operations.
One example of a VTOL airship is the Lockheed Martin hybrid airship, which uses buoyancy and aerodynamics to stay aloft and can carry up to 18,000 pounds of cargo.
On the other hand, electric hybrid aircraft use a combination of electric and traditional fuel sources to power their engines. These aircraft are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions than traditional planes, making them a greener alternative.
Electric hybrid aircraft can also be quieter than traditional planes, reducing noise pollution in communities near airports. One example of an electric hybrid aircraft is the Ampaire Electric EEL, which uses a combination of electric and traditional fuel sources to power its engines and can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge.
Several factors drive the rise of VTOL airships and electric hybrid aircraft. One of the main drivers is the need for more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
As concerns about climate change continue to grow, there is a growing demand for greener alternatives to traditional transportation methods. VTOL airships and electric hybrid aircraft offer a more sustainable and efficient way to transport people and goods.
Another driver is the need for safer and more flexible transportation solutions. VTOL airships can be used in various applications, including search and rescue operations and military operations, where traditional planes may not be able to operate. Electric hybrid aircraft are also safer than traditional planes, as they are less prone to mechanical failures and can operate at lower altitudes.
The rise of VTOL airships and electric hybrid aircraft is a promising development in the aviation industry. These aircraft offer several benefits over traditional planes, including increased efficiency, reduced noise pollution, and improved safety. As the aviation industry evolves, we will likely see more VTOL airships and electric hybrid aircraft in the skies.
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