Skylab Engineering Brings Out More Revised Prototype Fuselage | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.07.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.08.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.09.25

Airborne-FlightTraining-07.10.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.11.25

Sun, Jul 30, 2023

Skylab Engineering Brings Out More Revised Prototype Fuselage

Electric, Distributed Propulsion Prototype Growing Bit by Bit with Every AirVenture Appearance

Skylab Engineering remains hard at work with their odd little electric aircraft, showing off a more finished, revised fuselage to crowds at AirVenture 2023.

The team has been around more than a few times on the circuit, showing off an unusual concept featuring a tadpole-like fuselage with a fishbowl nose and seating for two. Each wing features a leading edge sporting 5 individual electric driven propellers, giving it a look that would fit in with a range of electric VTOL aircraft. This year, things look like they’re moving along at the usual pace, but Skylab retains plenty of energy and enthusiasm to see the project through.

If they do manage to pull off a flyable copy, the design has some promise. In its current layout, the aircraft will be powered by a gas-powered generator aft of the cockpit, acting as a semi-hybrid system to keep the electrics charged throughout flight. It’s hoped that the system will be a stopgap until more capable powertrains become available. As it stands, Skylab aims for a range of 500+ nautical miles, with anything above that welcome and somewhat expected. In addition to the gas generator, the aircraft has a backup power source that can be engaged to provide 2 minutes of full-power climb, or to sustain level flight for about 12 minutes. In a glide, it can be used for 20 minutes, extending the emergency range of the Skylab.

That being said, the idea is promising, but embryonic. Like any design this far in the engineering process, things are far more “promise” than “delivery”, but that’s half the fun of Oshkosh. Maybe in a few years the Skylab team will make their test flight in the electric showcase.  

FMI: www.skylabengineering.com

Advertisement

More News

NTSB Final Report: Aviat A1

Airplane Bounced About 3 Ft Then Touched Back Down And Then, With No Brakes Applied, The Airplane Began Veering To The Left Analysis: The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern >[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.08.25)

Aero Linx: British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) The primary focus within all aviation activity is SAFETY. In all aspects of our sport SAFETY must come first, whether it b>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Fly Corvair’s Reliable Engine Alternative

From SnF25 (YouTube Edition): William Wynne Builds Practical Aircraft Engines on the Corvair Platform Seeking an affordable alternative to the traditional aircraft engine options, >[...]

ANN FAQ: Contributing To Aero-TV

How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: CiES Fuel-Quantity and e-Throttle Systems Praised

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Bridge of CiES CiES Inc. is a Bend, Oregon-based designer and manufacturer of modular embedded aircraft systems and sensors. The company’s fuel-l>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC