WSJ Tech News Briefing In the Global AI Race, China Is Gaining on the U.S.
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Jul 3, 2025 Chinese generative AI companies are rapidly closing the gap with their U.S. counterparts, employing innovative strategies to gain an edge. The conversation highlights the impressive advancements made by firms like Baidu and DeepSeek. Meanwhile, a startup is revolutionizing aviation with its hybrid-electric planes, designed for quieter and faster flights. Insights on the unique challenges of vertical takeoff aircraft and the evolving landscape of AI innovation set the stage for a fascinating discussion on global technology rivalry.
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Electra's Quiet Vertical Takeoff
- Electra's plane takes off vertically and becomes wing-borne immediately, landing like a helicopter but without noise or downdraft.
- It leaps straight up in less than three seconds, unlike traditional planes using runways to build speed.
Solving Slow Flight Stability
- Achieving slow, stable flight was solved through advanced aerostructures and flight control algorithms.
- The flight computer does complex work to simplify control for the pilot.
Diverse Uses of Electra Planes
- Customers use Electra planes to reduce operating costs, avoid noise restrictions, and reach airports with short runways.
- One customer flying nine-seaters has huge time and fuel savings using quieter, vertical takeoffs.