NOVA (1974)

Episode Overview

Can innovative zero-emission electric aircraft truly replace traditional polluting airliners and transform urban travel? NOVA explores the skies with remarkable prototypes currently in operation, featuring agile single-passenger planes that can ascend like helicopters with reduced noise levels, alongside "autonomous" air taxis already conducting test rides in Chinese metropolises. However, for electric airplanes to progress beyond small, short-distance models, they must tackle formidable challenges related to battery weight, energy storage, and thermal management. How long will it take for the vision of ultra-quiet, highly efficient airliners to become a tangible reality?