EMPOWERING AVIATION

A Comprehensive Look at the Global Scenario on Electric Aircraft and Technology

- SHITAL KUMAR JOSHI

Global air travel and transport account for 3.5 percent of climate change. For airlines today, profits are slim, and fuel costs are almost half the operating costs. While it is a herculean task to decarbonise the aviation industry, many are vowing to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Thus, electric aircraft with battery-powered electric motors are rapidly gaining acceptance in the aviation industry's quest to cut its carbon footprint. The electric aviation market is projected to grow to $37.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 19.8%. The market has both conventional aviation companies and emerging start-ups and tech companies developing vehicles and solutions.

It is predicted that it could take over ten years for electric aircraft to be passenger-ready, but some airline companies are pushing to electrify aircraft as early as 2026. Additionally, Denmark and Sweden have promised fossil-fuel-free domestic flights by 2030. Reports also predict that before 2030, the first piloted eVTOLS will be in commercial use and by 2035, we might see around 20,000 vehicles delivered globally. All this is provided that certifications and regulations work out.

Electric aircraft are undoubtedly the future of air mobility with lower operating costs, fuel efficiency, less maintenance, less sound and fewer moving parts. Nevertheless, with electrification, we also have the unavoidable challenges of battery, charging, power, weight, energy density and range.

DESIGNING THE ELECTRIC AIRPLANES WITH SIMULATION

In electric aircraft, it is essential for design engineers to swiftly build a body of data to demonstrate safety and guarantee optimum performance. This is where engineering simulation comes in. Electric airplanes can be designed and tested virtually before flying, speeding up development and allowing iterations.