Search results for FAA
Mobility
Tesla Roadster hard to buy even with money. Why?
Tesla drew attention by unveiling a Roadster demonstration that showed the car launching off a ramp, rotating in midair and landing on its wheels, and clearing other vehicles and a Semi truck. The vehicle uses a compressed-air system linked to 10 thrusters and incorporates some SpaceX technology. Tesla lists three variants, including a single-seat Rocket version with flight capability that lacks public-road approval. Reservation deposits range from $50,000 to $250,000, with additional payment due within 10 days.
AI & Enterprise
U.S. to spend $875 million on airspace management; will AI cut flight delays?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration will introduce an AI-based system to forecast air traffic and flight delays, aiming to adjust flight plans before departure to address staffing shortages and ageing infrastructure. The FAA signed a 12-year, $875 million contract with Air Space Intelligence to build SMART software and the supporting FMDS data and services system. Initial operations are planned for the Washington, D.C. area this fall, with broader rollout after performance checks.
Mobility
Battery weight keeps electric aircraft commercialisation distant
The biggest obstacle to commercialising electric aircraft is batteries, as their weight limits range and payload, DigitalToday reported. Business Insider rode in Beta Technologies\' Alia CX300 and reviewed the promise and limits of electric aviation. Jet fuel holds far more energy per kilogram than current batteries, leaving a large practical gap even with efficient motors. Industry investment has exceeded $20 billion since 2004, but several heavily funded firms have failed. Certification and scaling remain major hurdles.
