Flight Performance Advantages of Electric Aircraft

The flight performance capability of electric aircraft is studied. This concerns basic performance quantities, such as the maximum speed, the ceiling and the flight envelope. Another topic is the range performance, including zero and non-zero wind conditions. The flight performance properties of electric aircraft are determined, and the differences to comparable aircraft employing an air-breathing engine are described. It is found that electric aircraft have substantial performance advantages. This holds for an expansion of the flight envelope including an increase of the maximum speed and the highest altitude. Furthermore, it is shown that there are advantages of electric aircraft in the range performance. This holds especially for the range cruise in headwinds.