Tech

China’s CATL Plans 1,800-Mile Electric Plane Launch by 2027

Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has provided an exciting update on its ongoing partnership project focused on developing electric manned aircraft.

This ambitious project aims to significantly advance the electric aviation industry, promising to deliver remarkable performance and range for civil aircraft.

CATL has been working on a groundbreaking innovation in the field of electric aviation. The company’s efforts have already yielded successful results, as demonstrated by the recent test flight of a 4-ton electric plane powered by CATL’s ultra-high energy density battery. The results of this test mark a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation technology.

Unveil an 8-ton civil electric aircraft by 2028

Looking ahead, CATL has set its sights on an even more impressive goal. By 2028, the company expects to unveil an 8-ton civil electric aircraft capable of achieving a flight range of approximately 1,200 to 1,800 miles (2,000 to 3,000 kilometers).

This development is anticipated to be a major leap forward for the sector, potentially transforming the future of civil aviation.

Zeng Yuqun, the founder of CATL, revealed that the company has already conducted test flights with a 4-ton civilian aircraft utilizing their new battery technology. The samples and panel line product have already been integrated into planes, demonstrating the feasibility and readiness of this innovation.

Developing a new generation of sodium-ion batteries

In addition to its advancements in electric aircraft, CATL is also developing a new generation of sodium-ion batteries. Zeng announced that these innovative batteries are expected to be released next year, highlighting the company’s commitment to pioneering new technologies in the energy sector.

Tech

China Developing Jet to Travel Anywhere in Two Hours

China is making remarkable strides in aviation technology with its ambitious plan to develop a hypersonic passenger jet, capable of flying at speeds that could revolutionize air travel.

The cutting-edge aircraft, dubbed the “Nanqiang No 1,” aims to reach speeds up to six times faster than the legendary Concorde, potentially transporting passengers to any destination on the globe in under two hours.

This futuristic project has already undergone rigorous testing at a state-of-the-art laboratory in Fujian Province. Reports from China indicate that the unmanned prototype is expected to weigh just 500 kilograms, showcasing a sleek and lightweight design optimized for speed. The jet is projected to cruise at an astonishing Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound, which would set new standards for commercial flight.

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The key to achieving such mind-blowing speeds lies in a sophisticated engine design. The “Nanqiang No 1” will utilize a combination of turbofan, rocket, and ramjet engines, pushing the boundaries of what current aviation technology can handle. Early renderings of the aircraft reveal a “MUTTER” engine configuration, which includes two air-breathing ramjet engines, a small rocket engine, and two turbine engines. china 6th generation fighter While there were initial doubts about the feasibility of this engine setup, computer modeling and early lab tests have demonstrated the MUTTER system’s ability to surpass Mach 6.

Though several nations are exploring supersonic and hypersonic flight technology, China’s pursuit of a passenger jet capable of reaching hypersonic speeds puts it at the forefront of this race. Supersonic jets, which travel faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1), are being explored by various aerospace companies worldwide, but China’s vision to push beyond supersonic into the hypersonic realm represents a bold leap into the future of air travel.

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With the potential to redefine how people traverse the globe, China’s hypersonic passenger jet could make long-haul flights obsolete, allowing travelers to reach far-flung destinations in a matter of hours. The country hopes to see the technology realized and operational for tourist use within the next decade, marking a new chapter in aviation history.