World's first plug-in plane takes off: Bright sparks at Airbus unveil electric two-seater aircraft at the Paris Air Show that's nearly silent in flight
- Airbus has unveiled its E-Fan 2.0 electric prototype aircraft in Paris
- Reaching speeds of 136mph, the plane can fly for up to an hour
- Company projects that the all-electric model will enter service in 2017
- By 2050, Airbus hopes to add a 100-seat electric plane to its fleet
It's the work of some incredibly bright sparks at Airbus.
The aircraft manufacturer has unveiled the world's first plug-in plane at the Paris Air Show.
Achieving speeds of up to 136mph, the E-Fan 2.0 prototype is, so far, able to stay airborne for one hour. The two-seater is also CO2 emission-free and nearly silent in flight.
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Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has unveiled its E-Fan 2.0 electric prototype plane at the Paris Air Show
Airbus is investing €20million (£14.7million) into tho overall design and development of the E-Fan 2.0
Height of success: The E-Fan 2.0 is the world's first plug-in plane and is capable of cruising at 99mph
Weighing less than half a tonne, the revolutionary flyer is outfitted with lithium-ion polymer batteries in its 31ft wings, as well as dual electric motors for a total power of 60 kilowatts.
At this point, it's only a prototype, though Airbus plans to construct a final assembly line for the E-Fan at Pau in south-west France.
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The company hopes that the all-electric model will enter service around the end of 2017 or early 2018.
At least initially, flight schools are expected to be the main customers for the aircraft, though a larger four-seat E-Fan 4.0 is scheduled for 2019.
The two-seater is nearly silent in flight, can reach speeds of 136mph and stays airborne for an hour
The ultimate goal is to produce a 100-seat electric aircraft - though it may take until 2050 to become reality
This 4.0 model will be available to the general aviation market and Airbus's long-term plan is to be able to work its way to producing electric-powered regional airliners and helicopters.
The ultimate goal is a 100-seat electric aircraft, although it may take until 2050 for such a dream to be realised.
At the Paris show, the 2.0 prototype will participate in flying displays throughout the event while, in Airbus's exhibition area, a full-scale model of the production version will be on display.
Airbus is investing 20 million euros (£14.73 million) in the overall design and development of the E-Fan 2.0.
It said: 'Engineering schools and their apprenticeship programmes will have a strong involvement in the E-Fan's development and production.
'They will bring the fresh perspective and ideas of young talent that represents the aerospace industry's next generation.'
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