JUNE 2023AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19aircraft with a sufficient range and payload capacity. This limits the use of electric aircraft to short-haul flights. Hybrid solutions could be envisioned as a first step where electrical batteries would come in support of more conventional architecture to compensate for peak demands and as a result, reduce the overall size of the propulsion system.Increasing onboard electrical power also needs to be balanced with cable weight. Increasing current would require larger conductors leading to heavier cables. As a result, the industry is heading toward increasing voltage. While high voltage power systems are nothing new, applying them at high altitudes and low pressure are new challenges.Up until about ten years ago, onboard systems were operated at 115V AC at 400Hz, after which it was ramped up to 230V for specific applications on the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787. These solutions have now reached full maturity and are ready for implementation in other systems of the aircraft. The next step is likely to be systems operating at 540V and above.Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure for electric aircraft. There are currently few charging stations or maintenance facilities for electric aircraft, and the existing infrastructure is not capable of handling large numbers of electric aircraft. This will require significant investment in infrastructure to support the growth of electric aviation.Despite these challenges, the aviation industry is making significant progress towards electrification. Many companies are investing in research and development of electric aircraft, and several prototypes have already been developed. In 2020, the world's first fully electric commercial aircraft took flight from Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada, marking a major milestone in the development of electric aviation. Although the flight was only 15 minutes, it is a first step to demonstrate that commercial aviation in all-electric form can work.In conclusion, electrification in aviation offers a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. Electric propulsion offers several advantages over traditional combustion engines, including lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and improved efficiency. While there are still several challenges that must be overcome, the aviation industry is making significant progress towards electrification. With continued investment and innovation, electric aviation could revolutionize the way we travel and help to create a more sustainable future for air travel. Patrick Blackburn
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