Skip to main content

Short Range Electric Aircraft

Sponsor:
The Boeing Company
Industry Mentor:
Jim Salmon
Faculty Adviser:
Michael Bragg
Team:
  • Jacob Brant
  • Lien Chang
  • Josh Esfeld
  • Joel Gerchak
  • Tyler Sheehan
  • Josh Teakles
Boeing team, links to a larger image
The Boeing team
The Boeing team.
icon of whiteboard linking to larger image
whiteboard
The Boeing Capstone Group begins dividing up research topics to begin understanding electric aircraft and it’s design.
icon of spread sheet linking to larger image
spread sheet
Example of research collection method
icon of group in cesna linking to larger image
group in cesna
The Boeing Capstone Group heads to Boeing Field to inspect a Cessna 206 as a potential aircraft to convert to electric. Shown are Josh Esfeld (top left), Lien Chang (bottom left), Tyler Scheehan (bottom right), and Jim Salmon (top right).
icon of cesna console linking to larger image
cesna console
Icon of GA8 Airvan linking to larger image
GA8 Airvan
Chosen airframe (GA8 Airvan) for modification showing the possible locations of battery pack placements.
icon of battery pack design linking to larger image
battery pack design
Initial idea for a compact thermoregulated battery pack design with embedded coolant piping.
icon of airvan cross section linking to larger image
airvan cross section
Cross section of the GA8 Airvan with current design of the electric-motor configuration.

The Boeing Short Range Electric Aircraft seeks to reduce driving costs of Boeing employees that spend an ample amount of time driving in between facilities every day by modifying an existing airframe to electric. Choosing an electric aircraft is vital to not only the upcoming future of the aerospace industry, but also for the environment. This project analyzes everything from flight and market economics to trade studies on the availability of electric fuel systems and their configuration.

Jim Salmon
Industry Mentor:
Jim Salmon

Chief of Innovation Initiatives & PD University
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Product Development, Mukilteo, WA
BS Aero Eng. U of Colorado
MBA U of Washington

I promote innovation mind-set, skills, and execution through methods like the PD Grand Challenges, enterprise collaboration projects, the Ideation Lab, and PD University. As an airplane designer, I led the PD phase of the 747-LCF “Dreamlifter”. Prior to Boeing, I worked in a small company spinning off new companies based on emerging technologies. Outside of Boeing, I teach Entrepreneurial Engineering at the University of Washington and consult on product development and business innovation strategy.

The Boeing Company

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries.