ZeroAvia, maker of hydrogen-Electric powerplants for zero-emission aviation, has been selected to partner with Natilus, “a leading innovator in designing and developing new autonomous blended-wing-body (BWB) cargo aircraft.” Kona, smallest of the pack, will carry a 3.8-ton (7,600-pound), while Natilus’ web site shows three additional BWBs, jumping to 60, 100, and 130 tons cargo-carrying capacity and maximum takeoff weights of up to nearly a million pounds. For a fact sheet on all the designs, click here. As an option to conventional turboprops, two ZeroAvia’s ZA600s producing 600 kilowatts (804 horsepower) each will power Kona, with its 26-meter (85-foot) wingspan capable of carrying its load 900 nautical miles (1,667 kilometers) at a cruising speed of 220 knots (407 kilometers) per hour. Natilus claims its range of BWB’s will 60-percent more cargo volume than traditional aircraft for the same weight giving 60-percent lower total cost of operations and 50-percent lower CO2 emissions. In terms of operating costs, Natilus’ largest craft come in …
To the Contrary, Propeller-Wise
Sacramento, California based CR Flight is dedicated to building highly-efficient motor/propeller combinations based on contra-rotation – propellers turning contrary to one another. Not to be confused with counter-rotation – two propellers driven by two different engines and turning in opposite directions – contra-rotating propellers are driven in tandem by the same engine. In the case of CR Flight, they are driven by the same electric motor. Their web site shows a simple animation of the result. An instructive video provides details about the benefits and drawbacks of the concept. The firm’s mission statement gives a hint of its character. “CR Flight™ partners with established industry leaders to design, patent, license, manufacture and provide the industry’s only patented counter-rotating motors to UAV/drone commercial and consumer manufacturers and wholesale distributors. When you see the CR Flight™ name, know that the CR motor™ is manufactured under tight scrutiny for the highest quality.” Their web site shows their three current offerings, the V-10, …