Cri-Cri, the all-electric aircraft

Innovation and eco-efficiency are the buzzwords at EADS. Following the flight of an aircraft powered by algae-based fuel, EADS is now tackling the new challenge of a zero-emission propellant.

Partnered by Aero Composites Saintonge and the Greencri-cri Association, EADS Innovation Works will present Cri-Cri, the first-ever four-engined all-electric aerobatic plane, at the Green Aviation Show in Le Bourget from 18 to 22 June.

This aerobatic plane incorporates numerous innovative technologies such as lightweight composite structures that reduce the weight of the airframe and compensate for the additional weight of the batteries, four brushless electric motors with counter-rotating propellers which deliver propulsion without CO2 emissions and significantly lower noise compared to thermal propulsion, and high energy-density Lithium batteries.

The combined utilisation of these environment-friendly technical innovations enables the Cri-Cri to deliver novel performance values: 30 minutes of autonomous cruise flight at 110 km/h, 15 minutes of autonomous aerobatics at speeds reaching up to 250 km/h, and a climb rate of approximately 5.3 m/sec.

Set to undergo its first flight tests in the next few days, this four-engine electric plane paves the way for a new generation of environment-friendly high-performance aircraft.

EADS Press Release

Sunseeker II & III on show in Paris solar powered airplane

http://www.gizmag.com/sunseeker-solar-powered-aircraft-in-paris/15512/

What is it about the single-seater Sunseeker II that drew a steady stream of visitors to the solar-powered airplane on display at the Green Air Showin Paris recently? Could it be the bluish flash of solar cells on its huge wings, or the inviting open cockpit, or maybe even the teetering propeller to the rear? Perhaps it's a delightful combination of gorgeous form and emission-free function that turned all those heads. With a two-pilot version coming soon, Gizmag took the opportunity to have a closer look.






http://www.solar-flight.com/

Commercial Spaceflight / BProyectan un hotel espacial con categoría de millones de estrellas

Congress Urged To Fully Fund Commercial Human Spaceflight In FY2011
http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=12f05367-3cf6-442e-a211-47b4b69d39ac&Dynamic=1


Commercial Spaceflight Federation Bags A Major Player
http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=c3d24402-f15f-4964-b11b-2f343264c540&Dynamic=1



Proyectan un hotel espacial con categoría de millones de estrellas
http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/index.php?view=noticias&id=4c221587f0039&viewTemplate=1

Open Skies: Los vuelos trasatlánticos serán más cortos y baratos, y menos contaminantes

Los vuelos trasatlánticos serán más cortos y baratos, y menos contaminantes
http://www.hosteltur.com/noticias/69185_vuelos-trasatlanticos-seran-mas-cortos-baratos-menos-contaminantes.html



Phase two of EU-US Open Skies to be signed tomorrow
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/23/343593/phase-two-of-eu-us-open-skies-to-be-signed-tomorrow.html