UK tests First hybrid-electric airplane

United Kingdom (UK) has successfully tested first hybrid-electric airplane driven by parallel hybrid electric engine.
The airplane was flight tested by researchers from the University of Cambridge, in association with Boeing.
Key facts First hybrid-electric airplane

• Airplane’s parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system has an electric motor along with petrol engine that work together to drive the propeller.
• Test has shown that it consumes up to 30 per cent less fuel compared to the conventional plane with only petrol engine.
• The parallel hybrid electric engine consumes maximum power during takeoff. But after plane reaches particular height during flight, the electric motor starts operating to save fuel consumption.
• The aircraft is also able to recharge its batteries in flight which has been achieved for the first time and considered as an important step toward cleaner, low-carbon air travel.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2014