NASA's 'Greased Lightning' or GL-10 is a ten-engine electric plane that is capable of executing vertical takeoffs -- much like a helicopter -- before transitioning over to horizontal flight.
This aircraft is currently in prototype stage, and is fitted with four motors on either wing plus two on the tail area. These motors are powered by a pair of 8 brake horsepower diesel engines which charge the aircraft's lithium-ion batteries.
The ability to combine vertical take-off ability with horizontal flight has long represented a holy grail of sorts for the military and aerospace industries, as it allows for aircraft to hit the air without having to rely on a long runway. The GL-10's ability to do this marks it out as a true marvel of aerospace engineering.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Planes
- The development of advanced electric planes with the ability to execute vertical takeoffs has the potential to revolutionize aviation by reducing reliance on long runways.
- Multi-engine Electric Aircraft
- The development of electric aircraft with multiple engines presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
- The GL-10 plane's vertical takeoff ability is a key feature of AAM, an emerging industry that includes new types of aircraft, such as air taxis and delivery drones, providing opportunities for innovation in the transportation sector.
Where This Applies
- Aviation Industry
- The aviation industry can benefit from the development of electric VTOL planes, providing a new generation of aircraft with reduced carbon emissions and increased efficiency.
- Aerospace Industry
- The aerospace industry has the potential to innovate in the development of multi-engine electric aircraft with advanced features, including vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
- Transportation Industry
- The development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents numerous opportunities in the transportation industry for the creation of new modes of transport, including air taxis and delivery drones.
