Backup Engine for Single-Prop Planes

Jun-12-15 A tiny, backup engine for small, single-prop planes could help avert serious disaster in the case of engine failure.

While commercial airlines typically have more than one engine to draw from in the event of a failure, single-engine planes are much less prepared. In an effort to provide a measure of safety in case of engine malfunction, researchers at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and AXTER Aerospace created a small, electric motor attached to its own dedicated battery that fits behind the propeller. Once in place, the backup system can provide enough power to the plane to allow it to fly about twelve more miles, hopefully enough time to find a suitable landing spot.

The new system can be retrofitted onto existing planes, and can be installed as an aftermarket upgrade.

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[GIZMODO.COM]
[PORTAL.UC3M.ES]

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