NASA Unveils Maxwell

NASA recently showcased an early version of its first all-electric experimental aircraft, the X-57 “Maxwell.”

• The X-57, under development since 2015, has been adapted from an Italian-made Tecnam P2006T twin-engine propeller plane but with the traditional combustion engines replaced with electric cruise motors.
• There are 14 electric motors powered by specially designed lithium-ion batteries, the same technology used in mobile phones and electric cars.
• Because electric motor systems are more compact with fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines, they are simpler to maintain and weigh much less, requiring less energy to fly. They also are quieter than conventional engines.
• While private companies ....