Summary
- Wright Electric, along with partners like NASA, DOE, and DOD, received a $3.34 million grant from the FAA’s FAST program
- The funding will be used to develop lithium-sulfur batteries for large electric aircraft that can accommodate over 100 passengers
- The objective of the R&D program is to enable regional aircraft flights entirely on battery power
- Wright Electric aims to develop batteries that hold three times more energy per pound than lithium-ion batteries
- CEO Jeff Engler believes that the technology developed by the company will make regional aircraft flights on battery power a reality
Article
Wright Electric, a US developer of ultra-lightweight motors, generators, and batteries for the aerospace and military sectors, has received a $3.34-million grant from the FAA’s Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program. This grant, awarded in partnership with NASA, DOE, and DOD, will be used to develop a new class of batteries for large electric aircraft that can accommodate more than 100 passengers. These large electric aircraft account for over 90% of the carbon emissions in the aerospace industry, making them a key target for reducing environmental impact.
The objective of the R&D program funded by the grant is to develop lithium-sulfur batteries that can hold roughly three times more energy per pound than lithium-ion batteries. This technological advancement could make it possible for regional aircraft flights to operate entirely on battery power, a concept that was once considered a fantasy. Wright Electric’s CEO, Jeff Engler, expressed excitement about the progress made since the company was founded in 2016. With multiple companies now working towards electric aircraft technology, the vision of regional flights powered by batteries is becoming increasingly achievable.
The development of advanced batteries for large electric aircraft is crucial for reducing the carbon emissions associated with aviation, especially in the commercial passenger segment. By focusing on this specific area of the aerospace industry, Wright Electric and its partners aim to address one of the biggest sources of pollution in the sector. The lithium-sulfur batteries being researched have the potential to revolutionize the way regional flights are powered, paving the way for a more sustainable future for air travel.
Wright Electric’s partnership with government agencies like NASA, DOE, and DOD highlights the importance of collaboration in driving innovation in the aerospace industry. By leveraging expertise and resources from various entities, the company can accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to reshape the aviation sector. The grant received from the FAA’s FAST program further validates the importance of sustainable aviation initiatives and underscores the commitment of government agencies to supporting green technologies in the industry.
The development of lithium-sulfur batteries for large electric aircraft represents a significant technological advancement in the aerospace sector. These batteries offer higher energy density, making them ideal for powering larger aircraft that require more energy for longer flights. By investing in research and development in this field, Wright Electric and its partners are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in electric aviation, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable air travel in the future.
Overall, the grant awarded to Wright Electric from the FAA’s FAST program is a testament to the company’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation in the aerospace industry. By focusing on the development of advanced batteries for large electric aircraft, the company is contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions in aviation and create a more environmentally friendly future for air travel. With the support of government agencies and industry partners, Wright Electric is well-positioned to lead the way in revolutionizing the way aircraft are powered, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.
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