One of the biggest manufacturers of airplanes around the world – Airbus know that the current fuel supply in the world is not going to last forever, and there would be a need for alternate fuel source to sustain the life we lead and correspondingly the airplanes that fly across the world ceaselessly.
For this end, Airbus has sponsored a new electric concept aircraft called “eGenius” which was unveiled at this week’s AERO Friedrichshafen 2011 industry event in Germany. eGenius is actually an electronically powered two-seat airplane that is being used to check the potential of using electrical energy as the main on-board power source. This aircraft is powered by a 60kW engine, with a takeoff weight of 850kg, and can travel a distance of 400km currently.
This aircraft was designed at the University of Stuttgart in Germany by the Institute of Aircraft Design. All the flight data is studied and researched on to determine the feasibility of using it as an alternate fuel. Apart from this Airbus is also exploring other technologies including fuel cell technology and bio-fuels among others.
Christopher Emerson, Airbus Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast says,
“Airbus is carefully studying all technologies available today for future alternative aviation energy sources. By sponsoring experimental projects like the ‘eGenius,’ we are gathering valuable experience and data for our further analyses and research activities in this area.”
