Hybrid “Hy-Bird” to Fly Around World
Powered only by solar energy and hydrogen, the zero-carbon Hy-Bird is a developmental aircraft designed by France-based high tech firm LISA Airplanes, which claims the craft will become the “first all-electric powered airplane on the market.” As a promotional tool, the company intends to fly the Hy-Bird around the world using only hydrogen and solar power.
The plane generates power through photovoltaic cells located on the wings, which supply the energy necessary for take-off, while a hydrogen fuel cell provides the power for cruise flight. According to Erick Herzberger, president of LISA, the Hy-Bird is “solely powered by an electric engine and will be the first airplane that does not emit greenhouse gases and is completely silent.”
Source: Fuelcellworks.com
Date: May 15, 2008
