this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2025
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It’s absolutely not impossible. Airplanes are more efficient than drones, and efficiency grows with scale. Drones fly. Of course an airplane can do the same.
The problem is one of speed and range. The best form of propulsion we have for electric airplanes is the propeller, which has a lower top speed potential than a turbofan. The energy density of batteries is also lower.
Realistically, an electric airplane will have reduced range and speed compared to a modern jet.
Any idea why they went with an open prop vs a ducted fan?
edit: the motors are 600mm diameter, so not easy to install in the duct is my guess. It's impossible to package an inboard configuration on such small airframes.
I can’t comment for their engineering team, but usually open props are more efficient because any reasonably sized duct constrains prop diameter. Increasing prop diameter is the best way to improve efficiency. Ducting a very large diameter prop comes with a large structural and weight penalty.
Generally speaking, the only time ducts buy their way on is when they are also needed for bystander protection.