NASA completes testing of folding propellers for the X-57 electric plane
Having a long history in the development of aviation technology, NASA has not independently engaged in aviation projects for more than 20 years. The agency pushed the emergence of electric aviation to new developments on this topic. A NASA team began developing the basis for an all-electric aircraft, the X-57 project. An interesting design touch is the folding propellers of the lift motors. They passed the final test the other day.
At its core, the X-57 project uses an Italian-designed Tecnam P2006T airframe. This is a light four-seater all-metal aircraft with two engines. NASA specialists replaced the fuel engines with 14 electric ones, two of which (on the wingtips) are cruising with fixed blades. The remaining 12 engines are armed with folding blades, which, after turning off the power, are thrown back by the incoming air stream. These engines are designed for takeoff and landing or for special maneuvers.
According to NASA, the system for folding and returning the blades to the working condition has successfully passed a critical test in a wind tunnel. This means that the aircraft of the X-57 project can be admitted to test flights. It may so happen that the quarantine associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic will force the X-57 tests to be postponed to next year, but there is still hope that the first flights will still take place before the end of this year.
Earlier, NASA completed the development of a battery design for traction motors of an electric plane. It will be a battery with a capacity of 69.1 kWh of which 47 kWh will be provided for the operation of the aircraft engines and systems. The remainder is a contingency reserve. The weight of the lithium battery will be 390 kg and the weight of the aircraft is 1360 kg. The battery provides protection against fire and overheating, which required many interesting design solutions. It will be interesting to see how the X-57 takes to the skies.
