Solar Airpower at the 2011 Paris Air Show
The 2011 Paris Air Show recently showcased some of the emerging green aviation technologies. The main attraction was the Solar Impulse, a Swiss plane that runs exclusively on solar power. Its super-wide wingspan is covered with 12,000 photovoltaic solar cells. So far, the plane is still in its experimental stage and not yet ready for commercial production (there’s no room for passengers and the flight from Brussels to Paris took 16 more than hours).
More promising are jets powered by biofuels. Two transatlantic flights were completed by jets that use blends of traditional fuel and biofuel.
You can see Solar Impulse taking off in this YouTube video. To read more about the 2011 Paris Air Show, visit the official website.