http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/18/scien ... .html?_r=1
A new experimental airplane being built by NASA could help push electric-powered aviation from a technical curiosity and pipe dream into something that might become commercially viable for small aircraft.
“The X-57 will take the first giant step in opening a new era of aviation,� Mr. Bolden declared.
The steps taken by NASA will not translate into all-electric cross-country jetliners. But the agency hopes the technology can be incorporated into smaller, general aviation and commuter aircraft some years from now.
Hang Glider Control Scientists are working on it.
The plan is to retrofit existing hang glider batten pockets to fit a 4" diameter Electric leaf blower. Up to 8 could be needed to achieve adequate thrust for take off.
To measure the thrust of a leaf blower simply stand on a scale with the leaf blower pointing upward and measure the additional weight when it is switched on.
This leaf blower is too weak, we need 100lbs of thrust.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj4moeKDGY4[/youtube]
The concept is sound, this leaf blower R/C has attained flight.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqSt7d6ruRE[/youtube]
Now to test it on a small child.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6UljMggoAc[/youtube]
For reference, The new brushless lithiom ion 530cfm EGO 530CFM BLOWER LB5302
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohiKjxc5ZrU[/youtube]