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Why do airliners not have wheel motors?

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Ironic how back in 1946 it was an aircraft company (Beechcraft) that was developing an electric car (The Painsman) with an aircraft motor as a power unit in the rear that powered 4 electric motors, one in each wheel. This is exactly the technology we are talking about right here but used on an automobile in 1946. This project never got off the ground unfortunately 😁

SIA-BeechcraftPlainsman_lede.jpg

https://jalopnik.com/an-airplane-company-could-have-built-the-tesla-of-the-1-1766387612

Edited by Matthew Kane

Matthew Kane

I'm Dyslexic, what's an error to you is not to me 

Dead weight kills this idea besides maintenance and repairs which will add to the cost of operations fast. A new idea will have to be provided and left behind by and at the airport to make it feasible. 

Cheers,

  • Author

Overall cost will determine acceptance of innovations like this.

These days, this is not limited to the bean-counter at the gas pump. In many countries, noise, pollution and energy use are factored in to the total cost. Also as mentioned, higher airport throughput, lower ground handling and engine operating costs, and improved safety may tip the balance.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" would have us all driving Model T's today. It's the innovators that drive our civilization.

17 hours ago, Matthew Kane said:

This is exactly the technology we are talking about right here but used on an automobile in 1946. This project never got off the ground unfortunately 😁

 

Cost killed it, maybe time to look at it again, in the light of today's technologies! Chrysler turbine car, anyone?

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2018/05/17/tesla-tests-power-of-model-x-with-qantas-dreamliner-towing-stunt/

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