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An Airbus-backed air racing tournament has unveiled an electric-powered sports aircraft at the Dubai Air Show this weekend, billed as the world’s first, as the European planemaker seeks to boost its green aerospace technology.
Several companies, including US ride-hailing company Uber Technologies, are working on electric-powered flying cars, amid increasing concerns about the environmental impact of fossil-fuel intensive air travel.
Last month, Airbus rival Boeing announced a partnership with automaker Volkswagen’s sports-car brand, Porsche, to develop a concept electric flying vehicle capable of transporting people in urban environments.
Known as ‘White Lightning’, the battery-powered aircraft is billed as a “world-first” and will be part of an e-racing tournament that the European aerospace giant is backing. Airbus’ support for the e-race aims to boost its green aerospace tech credentials.
The appearance of the White Lightning in Dubai marks “the first time we have let anyone outside of our teams and partners under the hood of a racing aircraft to showcase some of the cutting-edge electric technology that will be in use during the series,” said Air Race E CEO and founder Jeff Zaltman.
Air Race E, the body behind the air racing competition, said that the aircraft will be manufactured by UK-based Condor Aviation and will use an electric motor that will carry it at flight speeds of around 482km/h on a tight 5km circuit, just 10m above the ground.
“The racing series will provide a testbed for innovation and accelerate the journey towards electric commercial travel,” Zaltman added.
The firm added that lithium batteries installed under the fuselage of the plane will provide power for five minutes of high-intensity racing and around 10 minutes of reserve flying at reduced power.
Air Race E aspires to be the world’s first all-electric aeroplane competition when it launches its inaugural series of international races in 2020. It also expects to name eight teams for its first race at this week’s Dubai Airshow (17-21 November 2019).
Air Race E promotes green aviation and sets the marker for future developments in electric aircraft propulsion with a world-first aeroplane race. Its promoters also added that future transport platforms will require electric power solutions, many of which will be based on those developed for Air Race E.
Image credit: REUTERS/ Mahmoud Khaled
Supported by Airbus and the Formula Air Racing Association, the race encourages the use of cleaner power in transportation, as it seeks “to help take this global challenge to the next level”, its website states.
Air Race E organisers said they offer industry partners and manufacturers a platform to develop ground-breaking technology in electric aerospace. “We are already working with a number of industry leaders and are welcoming more as we grow,” the race’s website adds.
In the world of motorsport, Formula E is gearing up for its sixth-season which starts on the 22 November 2019 at Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. E&T spoke to its founder and chairman, Alejandro Agag, about the progress the adolescent motorsport has taken and how it has helped pave way for an electric vehicle and sustainable future.
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2019-11-18 11:11:58
E&T editorial staff
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