Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England successfully tested the world's first hybrid plane that could recharge itself while flying. This development paves way for the future of aircraft toward cleaner, low carbon-air travel.
The team collaborated with Boeing for the development of the hybrid plane which uses a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system -- a combination of an electric motor and petrol engine. The hybrid plane is more fuel-efficient as it uses 30 percent less fuel than existing planes. It is also the first plane that can recharge itself while in the air.
The idea of the hybrid plane is not new, but engineers found it difficult to develop because battery technology was not as advanced as it is now.
"Although hybrid cars have been available for more than a decade, what's been holding back the development of hybrid or fully electric aircraft until now is battery technology," study leader Paul Robertson of Cambridge's Department of Engineering said in a university news release. "Until recently, they have been too heavy and didn't have enough energy capacity. But with the advent of improved lithium-polymer batteries, similar to what you'd find in a laptop computer, hybrid aircraft -- albeit at a small scale -- are now starting to become viable."
The researchers demonstrated that during the takeoff of the hybrid plane it would use both electric power and gas. As soon as it achieves its cruising height, the plane could shift to generator mode to recharge itself. It works similarly to an electric car.
Despite the success of the hybrid plane test, the researchers admitted that further research is needed before they can use the technology to commercial airplanes. They are also looking into the feasibility of a fully electric airplane.
