NOVA: Great Electric Airplane Race DVD

 

Electric cars seem increasingly likely to replace our gas-guzzling vehicles. Could a new generation of emission-free electric planes do the same to the polluting airliners in our skies--a major step in the fight against climate change?

NOVA looks at an array of promising new electric planes on the horizon and takes you for a ride in some impressive prototypes that are already in the air. We take a hop in the Kittyhawk Heaviside, a single-seat plane that can take off like a helicopter but is half as noisy and can fly for 100 miles at 150 mph. Or there's the E-Hang, an autonomous drone said to have already taken thousands of passengers on test flights in Shanghai; could "self-flying" air taxis revolutionize city transportation? But if electric airplanes are ever to advance beyond small, short-haul craft, significant hurdles of battery weight, energy storage and cooling remain to be overcome. How long will it be before the dream of super-quiet, super-efficient airliners becomes a reality?

My Thoughts

The history of airplanes is always an exciting topic. Now, there is a brand new kind of airplane being developed that will cut down on fossil fuels and reduce pollution. Electric planes are well on their way taking over the skies in the same way electric cars are becoming more common. In Great Electric Airplane Race, we get a look behind the scenes as companies race to make the best electric planes. You'll see test flights from around the word, including self-flying planes.

If you're a fan of aviation, this is a great documentary to watch. My son is leaving for light school this week, and watching this together was a great experience. If you want to grab a copy for yourself, you can find it online at PBS. org or on Amazon.