While on the topic of way kewl flying machines, I would like to point out three emerging technologies that are going to transform all transportation in the next few years.
First are the motors. In general, we use turbines for things like helicopters because of their very high power to weight ratio, and because fossil fuels store much more energy by weight and volume than batteries. However, modern electric motors are churning out 750HP from tiny motors weighing just 13kg or 30lbs. That’s an insane power density that can never be matched by any combustion engine. The advantage in size, weight and efficiency is so extreme, battery powered flight looks better every day.
Secondly, we’re apparently on the cusp of having room temperature and pressure superconductors. While electric motors are near 99% efficient (compared to external combustion turbines which are more like 30%), huge heat losses occur in batteries and power cabling all of which goes away with use of a superconductor. In fact, all in-wheel motors made for cars have active cooling but with superconductors, this would go away, making entire systems simpler, cheaper, more robust and efficient.
Finally, there is the new Aluminum Ion batteries to consider, which supposedly have 3X the energy density of lithium, and 60X the power density, meaning that electric car that right now takes 8 hours to charge would take 8 minutes and have 3X the range.
So we are going to see electric transport take over, and it will not rely upon expensive, rare earth minerals mined by child labor. It will rely upon one of the most abundant elements found everywhere on Earth, cost a tiny fraction of what lithium batteries do, and be much more convenient and safe. My bet is Mercedes builds a 3,000HP electric car in the next 12 months, with many ultra-cars to follow. Yes, that is 6X the power in this helicopter.
My bet is the next Hill helicopter will be electric. BTW, the trend is certainly toward ducted fan quadcopters but keep in mind, for the same lift; a ducted fan or small blade quadcopter pushes an area of air about 1/5 the size of a helicopter. That means the air needs to move 5X faster, which can turn every pebble on the ground into a bullet. I think helicopters are going to come back in fashion. Mark my words. Helicopters are kewl.
A 6,000HP Styker or 14,000HP Abrams would be kewl too.
https://share.google/tiMfTABLYf0ROnqA5Check out this video from this search, mercedes 747hp electric motor
www.hillhelicopters.com
