E-Fan 1

Airbus has completed the longest-ever flight of its electrically powered E-Fan aircraft, which traversed the English Channel.

During the 36min flight, the aircraft travelled 74km between Lydd, England, and Calais in France.

Flown by test pilot Didier Esteyne, the lithium-ion battery-powered E-Fan reached a maximum altitude of around 1,000m. It weighs approximately 600kg.

The aircraft is equipped with two 32kW electric motors, and is designed to cruise at around 100mph for up to an hour. It features a parachute that can be deployed in case of an unexpected failure.

"The E-Fan project and today’s historic Channel crossing show that the pioneering spirit and ingenuity…is still alive today."

Airbus Group chief technical officer Jean Botti said: "The E-Fan project and today’s historic Channel crossing show that the pioneering spirit and ingenuity demonstrated by Louis Blériot and the other early aviators is still alive today.

"We continue to embody the spirit of innovation and tackle technical challenges which both advance aerospace as we know it today and pioneer the next-generation of electric and hybrid flight."

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Just a day before Airbus’ flight, French pilot Hugues Duval completed a successful flight of his battery-powered Cricri aircraft from Calais to the English shoreline and back.

Airbus E-Fan aircraft completed its first flight in March 2014, and is expected to commence production in 2017.

The company plans to develop a four-seater E-fan 4.0 with hybrid engines later this decade, to enhance its range and endurance.

Image: The E-Fan demonstrator landing at Calais-Dunkerque Airport after crossing the English Channel. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Group.