Final answer:
The AFMAN 11-202V3 requires using fuel consumption rates that account for the efficient and safe operation of turbine-powered aircraft. Current lithium-ion battery technology offers significantly less energy per kilogram compared to liquid fossil fuels, influencing fuel reserve computations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute fuel reserves for turbine-powered aircraft, the AFMAN 11-202V3 suggests using fuel consumption rates that ensure the most efficient and safe operation of the aircraft.
When evaluating the feasibility of renewable fuels or alternative power sources for aircraft, it's crucial to consider that current technology, such as the best lithium-ion batteries, does not yet match the energy density of liquid fossil fuels. This technology, even at 90% efficiency, delivers only about 5% as much mechanical energy per kilogram as liquid fossil fuels, resulting in significantly reduced range for electrically powered passenger planes.
Therefore, calculations for fuel reserves must take into account the high energy density and efficiency of turbine engines using conventional fuels to ensure aircraft can reach their destinations safely with adequate reserves.
In order to compute fuel reserves for turbine-powered aircraft, fuel consumption rates that provide accurate estimates of fuel consumption need to be used.
These fuel consumption rates can be determined based on factors such as the aircraft's engine type, flight conditions, and payload.
For example, a turbine-powered aircraft may have a fuel consumption rate of 0.6 gallons per minute. Using this rate, if the aircraft is expected to fly for 2 hours, the fuel reserve calculation would be: 0.6 gallons/minute x 60 minutes/hour x 2 hours = 72 gallons