Abstract
The research conducted in this project is on electrical propulsion in aviation. A Cessna 172K aircraft with a Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine serves as a baseline measurement. Investigation of the components required for electrical flight is performed, and components are selected based on market availability and operational performance criteria.
This research focuses on electrical propulsion in the aviation industry, and is tailored to aircraft within the General Aviation sector leading to the following research question: Can current electric motor and battery technologies conceptually support flight operations for a Cessna 172K in terms of aircraft performance criteria?
The results explore the potential for a fully-electric aircraft powered by means of batteries. A demonstrated flight is examined and the center of gravity is calculated.
Keywords
Aircraft, Electric, Battery, Alternative Propulsion, Electric Cessna, Cessna 172, Lycoming
Date of this Version
4-14-2011
Department
Aviation Technology
Department Head
Dr. Brent Bowen
Month of Graduation
May
Year of Graduation
2011
Degree
Masters of Science in Avation and Aerospace Management
Degree Type
Directed Project
Head of Graduate Program
Dr. Richard Fanjoy
Advisor 1 or Chair of Committee
David L. Stanley
Advisor 2
Jim Spellman
Committee Member 1
Dr. Mary E. Johnson
Committee Member 2
Jeffrey Honchell
Included in
Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Electrical and Electronics Commons, Power and Energy Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons