The all-electric Airbus E-Fan demonstrator airplane has created history by crossing the English Channel. With the feat, the E-Fan has become the world’s first twin-engine electric plane taking off on electric power to successfully cross the English Channel. The feat also pays homage to Louis Blériot’s first powered Channel crossing in a heavier-than-air aircraft in July 1909.
The aircraft took off from England’s Lydd Airport and touched down at Calais-Dunkerque Airport in France. The E-Fan demonstrator crossed the English Channel in 38 minutes. The breakthrough technology and the resultant airborne contraption has been developed in a program coordinated by Airbus Group Innovations, along with a range of partners and suppliers.
[blockquote cite=”Didier Esteyne, Aero Composites Saintonge’s E-Fan designer and test pilot” type=”left”]Although I was alone in the cockpit, were many people ‘flying’ with me today in this great success. It was the result of a fantastic team effort that brought much passion and the will to achieve [/blockquote]
The E-Fan demonstrator’s Channel crossing began with a morning takeoff from Lydd Airport on the English coast, with the aircraft reaching a maximum cruise altitude of 3,500 ft on a bright, clear day.
The E-Fran demonstrator utilized its on-board lithium-ion battery system for a total of 53 minutes from the time the aircraft was turned on at Lydd Airport to its shutdown at Calais-Dunkerque Airport. The lithium ion batteries were integrated in the inboard sections of the aircraft’s left and right wings. The all-electric plane managed to complete its flight with each set of batteries having 21 percent of their energy remaining.
[blockquote cite=”Jean Botti, Airbus Group Chief Technical Officer.” type=”left”]We now have taken a major step toward series production, which will lead to the development and manufacture of electric aircraft that are safe, reliable and certifiable to airworthiness standards [/blockquote]
The all-electric plane’s flight is a breakthrough for creating environmentally friendly aerial vehicles. The model used in the flight to cross the English Channel with pave the way for future electric planes that will initially be used for pilot training. Later, the technology can be used to run regional commercial flights for emission-free, super silent, super efficient operation.
Images: Airbus Group
