Treading Lightly: Low Horsepower Aircraft
Energy storage density limitations favor electric aircraft that can maintain level flight on very small amounts of horsepower (kW). The possible extremes of achievement in low-powered electric flight in personal aircraft will be presented from two design viewpoints: 1) when expense is not a limitation and 2) when expense is the foremost concern. This fun comparison will provide serious detail about how clever innovation by a ‘garage band’ can avert huge expense while still delivering remarkable efficiency. The prospects for creating the ultimate in affordable, safe and practical homebuilt electric aircraft that employ combined battery, solar and human power will be compared to the extremes of performance that could be reached with an unlimited budget.
