Instead of eVTOLs, I see hybrid-electric eSTOLs as the more realistic next step in aviation.
Here's why they make sense:
- They can use very short runways thanks to distributed electric propulsion.
- They're easier to certify because they're fixed-wing aircraft, not radical new designs.
- Their fixed-wing setup gives them much better range than eVTOLs.
This technology could allow every small town with 2,000+ people to have its own airport. Right now, the world has between 50,000 and 80,000 airports, depending on how you count them. By the end of this century, we could see that number grow to a million airports.
The countries where this will have the biggest impact first are Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These nations have many remote communities that would benefit from better air connections. This isn't just about making travel more convenient—it could transform how people and goods move across regions.
That’s Alaskan towns basically from what I’ve heard. They can definitely help with longer range regional air mobility.
Biggest problems are door to door convenience for people who don’t live in town, and airports as chokepoints which are unavoidable unless the takeoff and landing infrastructure is not shared. See this for more issues with STOLs.
Love this!
Instead of eVTOLs, I see hybrid-electric eSTOLs as the more realistic next step in aviation.
Here's why they make sense:
- They can use very short runways thanks to distributed electric propulsion.
- They're easier to certify because they're fixed-wing aircraft, not radical new designs.
- Their fixed-wing setup gives them much better range than eVTOLs.
This technology could allow every small town with 2,000+ people to have its own airport. Right now, the world has between 50,000 and 80,000 airports, depending on how you count them. By the end of this century, we could see that number grow to a million airports.
The countries where this will have the biggest impact first are Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These nations have many remote communities that would benefit from better air connections. This isn't just about making travel more convenient—it could transform how people and goods move across regions.
That’s Alaskan towns basically from what I’ve heard. They can definitely help with longer range regional air mobility.
Biggest problems are door to door convenience for people who don’t live in town, and airports as chokepoints which are unavoidable unless the takeoff and landing infrastructure is not shared. See this for more issues with STOLs.
https://substack.com/@tsungxu/note/c-131834898?r=4mzey&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web