This article was posted by CrystalWind.ca.
Plane with hybrid-electric engine takes to skies in test flight (VIDEO)
- Details
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.
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.
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
© 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!
Spirit Animal Totem Of The Day!
Crystal Of The Day!
Latest Articles
The Crystal Wind Oracle
Myth & Magic Card Deck!
Details Here!
NEW Expanded
Printed & Boxed!
Now with 58 cards!
CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of
donations from people like you.
Donate Now »
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Who is Online Now
We have 23245 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Brigid, Celtic Goddess of Fire
Image From the Crystal Wind Oracle App Available on IOS, Android and Am... Read more
How to Make a Brigid's Cross
The Brigid's Cross is a traditional craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pa... Read more
Imbolc Lore
Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulk", "IM mol'g" or "EM-bowl/k") is one of the Great... Read more
Rest & Cleansing Moon
Otter – Quaking Aspen – Silver January 20 to February 18 The Rest and Clea... Read more
Imbolc Customs
Imbolc, (pronounced im-bolk) or Candlemass, Imbolg, Bride's Day, Oimelc, and... Read more
Birth Totem - Otter
Birth Totem Otter Birth dates: January 20 - February 18 Birth Totem: Otter... Read more
Imbolc and the Promise of Spring
Winter’s medicine is about rest, recovery, and withdrawing inside ourselves.... Read more
Amethyst: A Stone for the Age of Aquarius
Amethyst has long been thought of as a "stone of spirituality and contentmen... Read more
The Rowan Tree - January 21 - February 17
The Fire Festival Of Brigantia Celtic Symbol : The Green Dragon Read more
Aquarius Mythology
The Aquarius Myth The Tale of Aquarius: A Story of Beauty, Power, and Immorta... Read more
Imbolc - The Feast of Brighid
Image source: The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card Deck.Get it here... Read more