Electric airplane questions:

1. In flight aircraft fires are one of the most deadly potential scenarios a pilot has to deal with. Smoke is also a worry. We have designed our battery pack in a ventilated compartment with a smoke detector and a special instant fire stop. A battery fire can only begin with over charging or over discharging. A BMS is supposed to prevent this, but without a balance system, cells can wonder off and die. When they do, solid oxygen in the cell escapes and can fuel a fire. Lithium does not burn nor does the saline electrolyte. Fire prevention starts with: the correct chemistry to start with, a good BMS with a balancer, a fire suppression system and use an onboard charging system to maintain a nominal charge for long flights.

2. Tesla has been having problems with vehicles on the GROUND experiencing fires. How can we have confidence in electric powered aircraft, knowing these realities will create a catastrophic situation should a fire happen during flight? Aviation has cool vented air for motors and batteries. Airplane batteries are far less subject to abuse than in ground applications. No battery cell has ever been made that likes charging and discharging. That is why we have alternators. An onboard charging system solves that problem. The idea of total electric must go if you want safety.

3. The standard, horizontally opposed piston or Radial aircraft engine is tested, refined, efficient and reliable? Why would the industry move away from that? Radial is good but the weight per Hp is too high. When micro technology is used - the power to weight goes up exponentially. It cannot be used to turn a prop, but it is great for keeping those battery cells charged up. See our demo at Air Venture.