Investigation of Weather Considerations for Battery Electric Regional Air Mobility Flights
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Abstract
Recent advancements in battery electric aircraft technology have elevated their potential as a sustainable and efficient transportation solution for regional air mobility, particularly in enhancing connectivity for under-served communities. However, the lower energy density of onboard batteries presents a notable operational challenge, limiting the usable ranges for flights. This limitation could potentially impede the consistent and reliable deployment of these aircraft in regional flight networks, especially under unfavorable weather conditions. In response, this research proposes a comprehensive methodology to assess the operational impacts on electric aircraft under diverse meteorological scenarios in regional flight network. The proposed framework evaluates critical operational factors for Part 121 (scheduled air carriers) and Part 135 (commuter and on-demand operations), including flight cancellations, flight rules, wind-induced extended distances, and required alternate airport distances. To demonstrate the efficacy of this weather impact methodology, network-level analyses are conducted in two distinct regions of the United States: the Northeast Corridor and Colorado. The results offer information on the operational capabilities and limitations of electric aircraft under different regulatory frameworks. It is expected that these findings will support decision-making processes for regional fight operators and policymakers, facilitating the informed integration of electric aircraft into U.S. regional air mobility networks.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration GR00024382
Date
2024-07
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