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-06.25.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-06.26.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.27.25

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

Airborne 06.30.25: US v ADS-B Misuse, Nat’l STOL Fire, Volocopter Resumes

Also: Netherlands Donates 18 F16s, 2 737s Collide On Ramp, E-7 Wedgetail Cut, AgEagle's 100th In S Korea The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act was introduced in the House by Represent>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.06.25)

“This delivery represents more than just a milestone. It symbolizes our shared commitment to national security and our unwavering support for the men and women who serve on t>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.06.25)

Aero Linx: Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation Vintage Wings of Canada is a not-for-profit, charitable organization with a collection of historically significant aircraft and is run>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Portrait of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): To Preserve and Teach Incorporated as a non-profit domestic corporation in June 1997, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF) is a one-of-a-kind, >[...]

Airborne-NextGen 07.01.25: Volocopter Returns, B23 Energic, Iran Tech In UAVs?

Also: Air Taxis May Be Close, AgEagle Sells 100th, VAI Likes Bedford, AURA AERO Cleans Up Volocopter has resumed work towards the certification of its VoloCity eVTOL, this time und>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

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