Why don't we have electric planes yet?

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12-31-2019, 02:33 AM

#11

captjns

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Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

I'm not sure I'd be all carried away with plugging in on a wet dock.

Rubber gloves and boots?

12-31-2019, 06:00 AM

#12

JamesNoBrakes

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Well, they plug boats into shore power.

12-31-2019, 07:10 AM

#13

rickair7777

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Well, they plug boats into shore power.

Lots of things get plugged into shore/ground power in wet environments. Boats, planes, RV's, cargo containers, etc.

The common theme? The power cord is turned off while a person is connecting it, and only switched on after the connection is made. It's not like your vacuum cleaner at home.

12-31-2019, 08:07 AM

#14

badflaps

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

True, but in 30 years of boating I have yet to see a shore power connection that doesn't show major signs of arcing. 120v-30a.

12-31-2019, 08:54 AM

#15

badflaps

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I agree with G.F. I can't see slogging in 2 ft. of water with a 240/50 snake over my shoulder. I have no faith.

12-31-2019, 09:58 AM

#16

rickair7777

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Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

True, but in 30 years of boating I have yet to see a shore power connection that doesn't show major signs of arcing. 120v-30a.

Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

I agree with G.F. I can't see slogging in 2 ft. of water with a 240/50 snake over my shoulder. I have no faith.

Like EV's, to quickly charge airplane batteries will require higher voltages and current capacity. That will require custom designed connectors, which would obviously need to be designed to handle the operating environment. Not utterly foolproof of course.

12-31-2019, 10:05 AM

#17

Excargodog

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Of course you could do short legs with just a 600 mile long extension cord...

12-31-2019, 12:58 PM

#18

JamesNoBrakes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

I agree with G.F. I can't see slogging in 2 ft. of water with a 240/50 snake over my shoulder. I have no faith.

Not sure if you know how these airplanes are operated. They are docked only at improved and dedicated facilities. Many are kept kept in the water at all times (on inspection programs that account for the marine environment). Sure there will be controls, but I see little difference between this and hooking up a large boat to shore power. Controls and technology will be needed of course, but this isn’t insurmountable.

12-31-2019, 01:00 PM

#19

JamesNoBrakes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

True, but in 30 years of boating I have yet to see a shore power connection that doesn't show major signs of arcing. 120v-30a.

Or a plane that has no corrosion.

12-31-2019, 01:32 PM

#20

badflaps

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

The difference being connections being made several times a day as opposed to twice, three times a week. Not insurmountable, but difficult. I can think of only a few operations that would work with,say, Kenmore.