Eco Factor: Zero-emission aircraft powered by electric engine.
Germany-based PC Aero has unveiled a lightweight all-electric airplane for a single passenger. Dubbed Elektra One, the aircraft was showcased at the Aero 2010 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Weighing just 120kg, the airplane is powered by a 16KW electric motor that can operate for up to three hours at 120kph.
With a wingspan of 8.6m, the aircraft can carry a payload of up to 90kg. The aircraft has been designed to compete in the CAFE Green Flight Challenger to be held in California this July. The challenge requires the contestants to fly at least 100 miles per passenger on less than half a gallon of fuel or 17KWh of electric power at a minimum speed of 100mph.
The company estimates that the Elektra One can fly up to 300 hours each year on solar energy generated by just 20sqm of solar panels and in doing so can recoup the cost in just eight years.
Via: EVWorld
