A progressive Dutch company has unveiled ambitious plans to develop an electric aircraft capable of carrying up to 90 passengers. The firm, known as Elysian, revealed its innovative concept at the SciTech 2024 show, the world’s largest event for aerospace research and development.
In a groundbreaking move, the startup is challenging conventional assumptions about the limitations of electric aircraft. Elysian’s newly designed E9X aircraft promises to be a game-changer in the aviation industry, with the capability of accommodating more passengers and traveling greater distances than previously thought possible for an electric plane.
In a series of newly published research papers, Elysian notes that “large battery-electric aircraft can carry much more energy and are aerodynamically more efficient than originally assumed.” This revelation has sparked excitement and anticipation among industry experts and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Elysian’s forward-looking design for the E9X aircraft incorporates cutting-edge concepts such as span loading, low-wing configuration, and the advantages of electric propulsion. These innovations are not only pushing the boundaries of current technology but also paving the way for a new era of sustainable air travel.
The E9X concept features a low-wing design, with a fuselage measuring 9 feet, 11 inches, and an impressive 137.7-foot wingspan equipped with folding tips for easy gate accessibility at airports. The aircraft is powered by a battery boasting an energy density of 360 Wh/kg, representing a significant leap forward in electric aviation technology.
According to a report by VentureBeat, Elysian’s design team has strategically placed the batteries in the wing-box to minimize the root-bending moment, thereby reducing the wing’s structural weight. The E9X will be equipped with eight 12-foot propellers and a turbogenerator in the rear fuselage, providing an additional 45 minutes of power in emergency situations.
Despite its groundbreaking design, the E9X still faces several technical challenges that need to be addressed before it can become a reality. Elysian acknowledges the need to improve recharge times, enhance thermal management, integrate the propeller with the wing, and develop and certify the reserve energy system. To tackle these challenges, the company has partnered with leading research institutions, including the universities of Twente and Delft, as well as national aerospace research institutes in the Netherlands and Germany.
Daniel Rosen Jacobsen, Elysian’s chief business officer, and co-chief executive alongside Rob Wolleswinkel, highlighted the significant financial investment required to bring the E9X into production. The company estimates that it will cost between $8-10 billion to realize its groundbreaking aircraft. While Elysian has raised $10 million to date, there is still a substantial financial gap to bridge. However, the company remains optimistic that the E9X will be ready for commercial service by 2033.
The potential of electric aircraft to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change has generated significant interest in the aviation industry. With aviation accounting for 2.5% of all global CO2 emissions, the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly aircraft technologies is crucial for addressing this issue. Elysian projects that electric planes could achieve up to six times greater energy efficiency per passenger kilometer compared to other sustainable aircraft technologies, offering the promise of a greener future for air travel.
In conclusion, Elysian’s plans to develop the E9X electric aircraft have captured the imagination of the aviation world. With its innovative design and forward-thinking approach, the company is setting the stage for a groundbreaking evolution in the field of electric aviation. As Elysian continues to address the technical challenges and secure the necessary funding, the future of sustainable air travel looks brighter than ever.
