Distributed propulsion
Lange in Germany have developed a very long endurance machine from their Antares glider.
It is powered by electricity which is produced onboard by fuel cells which convert hydrogen. The hydrogen is supplied by converting the liquid Methanol fuel (carried in the large pods under each wing).
Such is the aircrafts efficiency that it can remain airborne for 40 hours and cover 6,000km. All while carrying a useful payload of up to 200kg.
The Methanol can be made from ‘Green’ sources such as excess renewable energy. The byproduct of the entire propulsion system is water vapour and therefore zero emissions.
The propulsors are 6 in number and are positioned on the top of the wing with pusher propellors. Giving a distributed propulsion with great efficiency and massive redundancy.
Antares E2
One of the 6 Fuel Cells used is in the foreground.