22 July 2016
+VIDEO Remember the fuss this time last year over the Airbus E-Fan 1.0 electric aircraft making a crossing of the English Channel? Well, the latest version of the E-Fan, known as the ‘Plus’, will make its debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh next week.
https://youtu.be/tmvCEsvskdg
The E-Fan Plus differs from the original in having an internal combustion engine onboard to act as a ‘range-extender’ – similar to Vauxhall’s Ampera electric car. The aircraft still takes off and lands on electrical power, mainly to reduce noise levels at low altitudes, says Airbus.
The onboard internal combustion engine generates enough electricity to sustain level flight at maximum cruise speed and simultaneously charge the on-board array of lithium-ion batteries, according to Airbus. The demo hybrid aircraft has completed initial testing at Royan, France.
The E-Fan Plus has also been painted in the colours of the American flag for its Oshkosh appearance, and is part of the long-term electric aircraft roadmap being pursued by Airbus Group Innovations.
Air intakes for the E-Fan Plus’s range-extending internal combustion engine are visible on the upper fuselage behind the pilot.
2 comments
Airbus has officially copied a GM idea from the Chevy Volt!
E-Fan Plus?? Should be the E-Fan Prius…..