THINGS FLIGHT TESTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BATTERIES FOR ELECTRIC PROPULSION

The implementation of flight test techniques for electrically powered aircraft is still very unknown to the average flight tester. This paper is for the flight testers that are starting to evaluate battery powered propulsion technologies in new or current aircraft. This guide is scalable to program scope: from small UAV’s to large aircraft. This paper’s Safety and Risk Analysis will be taking time proven approaches and implementing them to this new technology. Since electric propulsion technology is handled differently than conventional propulsion systems, we have developed a set of performance metrics suitable for these new electric-powered propulsion systems. How these new systems integrate into the aircraft will also be considered as different battery/power plant combinations can impact flight test approaches. READ NOW

Alberto Favier, Pipistrel Vertical Solutions d.o.o.

Stephan Roberts, AeroTEC Inc.

Josh Esfeld, Individual Contributor

Jennifer Uchida, AeroTEC Inc.