Airbus Group’s E-Fan

Airbus Group’s E-Fan had its maiden flight in late March at the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport in France, but for the official press release we had to wait until April 25 (the people within Airbus Group's PR department must've been on vacation or something).

But finally we have some new photos and higher quality video on this electric aircraft with unusual propellers.

"The electric E-Fan training aircraft is a highly innovative technology experimental demonstrator based on an all-composite construction. Airbus Group and its partners are aiming to perform research and development to construct a series version of the E-Fan and propose an industrial plan for a production facility close to Bordeaux Airport. Airbus Group’s research efforts support the environmental protection goals of the European Commission, as outlined in its “Flightpath 2050” programme."

Airbus Group’s E-Fan

So, this project will be continued with the possibility of commercialization.

Airbus Group Chief Technical Officer Jean Botti stated:

“The E-Fan project and Airbus Group’s commitment to the field of electric and hybrid research show our vision of future technological developments. It will not only lead to a further reduction in aircraft emissions and noise to support our environmental goals but will also lead to more economic and efficient aircraft technology in the long run. Our focus is to develop innovations that will help define what tomorrow’s aerospace industry will look like.”

Specs:

Wing span: 9.50 m Length: 6.67 m Empty weight: 500 kg Lift/drag ratio: 16 Total engine power: 60 kiloWatt Battery system: 120 cells (Lithium Polymer) Battery rated capacity: 40 Ah per cell 4 Volt per cell Endurance: 45 min – 1 hour Take-off speed: 110 km/h Cruise speed: 160 km/h Max. speed: 220 km/h

Airbus Group’s E-Fan