December 11, 2019 | First All-Electric Seaplane Takes Flight in B.C

There are about 170 different electrically-propelled aircraft programs in development worldwide, up 50% since April 2018, according to consulting firm Roland Berger.  BC’s Harbour Air achieved flight with one this week.  In the process, it slashed fuel costs from $300-$400 per 100-miles to $4 to $10.  The initial model can fly 60 minutes on one charge (most of Harbour Air’s flights are 25 minutes or less).  Focus will continue on extending flight time capacity.  See: Fossil Fuel-Free Air Travel Gets Closer With a Short Electric Flight.

The electric Beaver is theoretically cheaper to maintain than its combustion engine predecessor, too. Electric motors are sealed units, with a minimum of moving parts.

…The near-term is likely to see a generation of hybrid aircraft, pairing electric and conventional power systems along with smaller all-electric craft. Larger, fully-electric aircraft are still about a decade off.

The propeller aircraft, a six-passenger de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver prototype, was powered by a magniX magni500 electric motor and piloted by Harbour Air Chief Executive Officer Greg McDougall.

Also see:  All systems go: 1st all-electric seaplane takes flight in B.C.

It was a small but significant step in the broader quest to replace fossil fuel-powered aircraft.  Here is a direct video link.

Danielle Park December 11th, 2019

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