EADS Sets Out Path To Electric Light Aviation

EADS has an ongoing partnership with Siemens and Diamond Aircraft on serial hybrid propulsion. The three companies announced the first flight, in June near Vienna, Austria, of a DA36 E-Star 2 motorglider, the propeller of which was driven by an electric motor. The batteries were recharged in-flight via a small Wankel-type engine.

Separately, the European group is already developing the E-Fan, an electric two-seater for pilot training.