Pathfinder 1: LTA Research's Manned Electric Aircraft on a Zero Carbon Mission

The Pathfinder 1 manned electric aircraft has been tested (photo: doc. LTA Research)

JAKARTA – Pathfinder 1, the world's largest electric-powered airship, recently underwent its first flight. The plane flew for 5 minutes at Moffet Field, Palo Alto Airport.

Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research, as the developer of Pathfinder, is trying to develop an aircraft that is capable of carrying lots of people and cargo, but can still travel quickly without worrying about carbon emissions problems.

They added all these innovations to Pathfinder 1. LTA emphasized that carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the aviation sector reached 1 billion metric tons. With these large emissions, Pathfinder 1 was created with a zero carbon mission.

During operation, Pathfinder will use solar panels that are actively tested by the LTA. This panel will use a hydrogen fuel cell to drive an electric propulsion system.

Apart from reducing carbon, the company is also trying to reduce the use of helium. According to LTA, helium is such a valuable resource that Pathfinder 1 will collect and recycle helium every time it is used.

Please note that Pathfinder was built on the basis of humanity. This means that this aircraft can be used to speed up relief efforts when a disaster or other humanitarian assistance occurs that threatens many lives.

This aircraft can deliver a lot of food, important equipment, supplies, and other rescue assistance to an area without needing to land on an airstrip or landing zone.

In line with this support, the payload of Pathfinder was expanded. This aircraft is capable of carrying cargo in the form of people and goods of around 2,000 to 5,000 kilograms. This number depends on the final weight of the aircraft and its mission.

Please note that Pathfinder has many features that help the aircraft work optimally. First, this aircraft uses 12 electric motors which are capable of providing effective directional control because they can rotate from +180° to -180°.

The aircraft is controlled with a fly-by-wire system that combines joystick commands from the pilot with sensor feedback data. This combination of commands will drive 12 electric motors and four rudder fins to fly the plane.

Additionally, Pathfinder 1 has a Lidar sensor that accurately calculates the volume of helium and gas cells. These sensors will assist pilots in balancing the aircraft, tracking performance, and operating the aircraft.

LTA explained that Pathfinder 1 has 13 helium bags to provide sufficient lift and buoyancy. This bag is made with ripstop nylon material coated with urethane. The filling of this bag varies, according to the altitude the plane will fly to.