•  
Support crystalwind.ca with your donation and help spread spirituality and positivity. Blessings!

This article was posted by CrystalWind.ca.

A+ A A-

Plane with hybrid-electric engine takes to skies in test flight (VIDEO)

aircraft_01

Still from youtube video (Cambridge University)

While for decades aeronautics researchers have been working on ways to make flying safer, they're now also trying to make air travel cleaner. A test flight of a hybrid-electric aircraft has been successfully completed in Britain.

The step forward – or rather upward – was the result of a joint project of engineers from Cambridge University, who have worked on the aircraft with funding support from Boeing. The small single-seat demonstrator plane is powered by a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system, with the aircraft's propeller driven both by an electric motor and petrol engine.

Another breakthrough the researchers managed to achieve is the airplane's power charging system – a set of 16 large lithium-polymer cells located in special compartments built into the wings. The aircraft can recharge its batteries in flight; this is the first time such an advancement has been achieved.

"Although hybrid cars have been available for more than a decade, what’s been holding back the development of hybrid or fully-electric aircraft until now is battery technology," Paul Robertson of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering said. Robertson, who led the project, explained that a hybrid aircraft has become viable thanks to improved batteries, which weigh less and have more energy capacity.

hybrid_aircraft

Still from youtube video (Cambridge University)

The engine and motor power the plane together when maximum force is required; that is, during the take-off and climb. At cruising altitude, the electric motor can work in two modes: either by recharging the batteries or assisting the motor. The assist mode minimizes fuel consumption; during the test flight, the plane used up to 30 percent less fuel than a comparable plane with a petrol-only engine.

While the engineers were pleased with their environmentally friendly aircraft, they said it is still a "test bed to evaluate different technologies." More research is required before commercial planes will be powered entirely with electric motors, researchers say, as a modern jetliner could currently only fly for roughly ten minutes should its fuel engines be replaced by batteries.

hybrid_aircraft_2

Still from youtube video (Cambridge University)

A number of research projects in the field have recently been developed in several countries. The European Airbus Group has engineered and presented a fully functional two-seat, fully electric E-Fan aircraft, powered by electric cells and two 30-kilowatt electric motors. The aircraft can fly at a cruising speed of 160 km/h, but cannot do so for more than an hour. In Russia, Tupolev has announced the coordination of about 100 institutes and companies that are working on an electric aircraft based on Tupolev’s Tu-214 passenger jet. The program is set to be developed over the next eight years.


Source Here

 

Pin It

© CrystalWind.ca 2025. All content (articles, imagery, fair use) & design protected. Written permission required for copying. All rights reserved.

Join the Conversation Now! Comment Below! arrow down small 11

CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of donations from people like you. Please help support us! 
Blessings!
 

Follow this blog

Featured Writers

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We hope you’ve found inspiration on your awakening journey.

Share your thoughts at . Let’s awaken and transform together!

Spirit Animal Totem Of The Day!

CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of
donations from people like you.
Donate Now »

CrystalWind.ca Donation!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

 

 

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

Who is Online Now

We have 18389 guests and no members online

Featured This Month

Page:

Sun in Capricorn

Sun in Capricorn

An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Capricorn Read more

Midwinter Feast of Light: Reviving the Magic…

Midwinter Feast of Light: Reviving the Magical Foods of Imbolc

I love the ancient feast days of the pagan calendar. Celebrating the tu... Read more

Imbolc

Imbolc

Imbolc Ritual Celebrated February 2 Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, Imbo... Read more

Spirit of White Tiger

Spirit of White Tiger

Spirit of White Tiger Role: Seeker of Personal Truth Lesson: Power of Conv... Read more

The Birch Tree - December 24 - January 20

The Birch Tree - December 24 - January 20

Celtic Symbol : The White Stag Zodiac Degrees : 2º00` - 29º59` Capricorn Read more

Garnet

Garnet

The Vibrant Body Stone The particular color of a garnet specimen will deter... Read more

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz

The Root Chakra Balancer Stone Smoky quartz is a stone of quietness. It co... Read more

Capricorn

Capricorn

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Read more

Imbolc - The Feast of Brighid

Imbolc - The Feast of Brighid

Image source: The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card Deck.Get it here... Read more

Imbolc Customs

Imbolc Customs

Imbolc, (pronounced im-bolk) or Candlemass, Imbolg, Bride's Day, Oimelc, and... Read more

Annual Blessing Of the Sacred Hearth at Imbo…

Annual Blessing Of the Sacred Hearth at Imbolc

Blessed Brigid Blessed Brigid, Flame of Delight ,  May the fires of yo... Read more

Imbolc Lore

Imbolc Lore

Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulk", "IM mol'g" or "EM-bowl/k") is one of the Great... Read more

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye

The Physical Mastery Stone Because of its range of colours, tiger’s eye is... Read more

Birth Totem - Goose

Birth Totem - Goose

Birth Totem Goose Birth dates: December 22 - January 19 Read more

Earth Renewal Moon

Earth Renewal Moon

Snow Goose – Quartz – Birch - White December 22 to January 19 The Earth Rene... Read more

© 2008-2025 CrystalWind.ca. All rights reserved. Site Creation by CrystalWind.ca.
Web Hosting by Knownhost.com

 

 

X

Right Click

No right click