A lean, clean, Green flying machine

Published on 18 June 2009 at 09:55

"A fast long-range clean-energy aeroplane? This is no longer a pipedream, but an absolutely feasible idea, according to the Technical University of Delft" in The Netherlands, writes Dutch daily Trouw. A model of this revolutionary diamond-shaped craft, fitted out with four wings and four electric engines and with a maximum speed of 450 km/h, was presented at theair show in Le Bourget, near Paris, in the hopes of catching the eye of major manufacturers like Boeing or Airbus. Chief engineer Ronald van Gent affirms that the "Zero Emission Flying Testbed" will make no noise and emit no greenhouse gases whatsoever. An unmanned prototype will be making its maiden flight this year. Notes Trouw, "the aviation sector badly needs a new generation of airliners, given the unpredictable fuel prices and the ever-increasing cost of CO2 emissions."

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support border-free European journalism

See our subscription offers, or donate to bolster our independence

On the same topic