How far in the future, if at all, is airplane travel that doesn't burn fossil fuels? i.e. electric planes

Question

How far in the future, if at all, is airplane travel that doesn't burn fossil fuels? i.e. electric planes

Answer 1

At present there is no commercially viable alternative to the use of kerosene to power aircraft.

This year saw the first electrically powered flight in a standard aeroplane, in a single seat aircraft. [source 1] However, its range is limited - flying for an hour before a recharge is needed.

Electricity still uses fossil fuels though, unless it is generated using renewable sources.

I would say that a passenger flight using electric batteries must be a long way off yet. The problem is simply the weight of the batteries relative to aircraft fuel and the limited range.

Interesting history of electric flight page [source 2].

Answer 2

It is ready yet...but Petrol companies at Airport...does not think the same.

A quick fit, and all the engines could run on ethanol

Answer 3

Recipe For Success:

1. SMALL, LIGHT-weight craft (not aluminium skin / panels) (but made from super-strong resin-type material - for main body).

2. Powered from the bottom up (for vertical lift-off / landing)

(Light weight = this much easier). (See research / Source re: Keywords: Avro; anti-gravity...) (Designs already tested).

3. Power source = inbuilt solar-corporation strength solar collectors

+ Kinetic (i.e. as air passes, this energy collected). (As not carrying heavy fuel this helps considerably to lower energy needs).

Answer 4

Interesting I just saw an article on the web about a single seat electric plane yesterday.. Unfortunately I doubt if the technology will ever make it into production -- or into use for commercial aviation.  

Answer 5

A professor in America has invented a paper aircraft that will carry as many passengers as a Boeing 747, he just needs to find a man strong enough to throw it.

Answer 6

They developed a nuclear jet engine about 50 years ago, but it was unpopular. Maybe we can have a wind powered airplane?

Answer 7

why just think of 'planes?

hydrogen fuel cell - driven airships already in production

i like this solar powered one, loads of collector area on top of the bag;

http://www.ecogeek.org/images/image/sola...

Answer 8

they already have a solar power aeroplane. It is as powerful as a hairdryer...  

Answer 9

To get a decent sized aircraft off the ground would require the whole fusilage to be filled with batteries, so no room for passengers.

Answer 10

at this moment of time the goverment will not even think about things like this,

he dont make enuff profit on that