The Future Of Aviation.

Today, now that the commercial media storm has passed at Lydd. I can write to you about my 'Aircraft of the Month' for July.
I'm sure some of you have heard that a very important aircraft was due to depart from Lydd (EGMD) on Friday the 10th of July for its first, and longest flight across the channel to Calais (LFAC).


The aircraft in question, was The Airbus E-Fan. The first all electric aircraft that is due to be put into production by Airbus by around 2017. The aim of which, in the short term, is to vastly reduce the Co2 emissions of light aircraft in the general aviation industry, and for flight training. Eventually, Airbus Group Innovations and its partners aim to move from the 2-seater platform, currently being exhibited in the E-fan, up to a 4-seater, and, in the future, to a 150 seat commercial airliner.

Fortunately for me, I had the very unique opportunity to take a very close look at this aircraft as it was being assembled in the hangar at Lydd last week. It goes without saying that the importance of an aircraft like this is huge. The environmental benefits would be staggering, (when you disregard the cost of production at this early stage). And, to have had the chance to witness this remarkable plane in action for its first cross channel flight, allow me to give you my perspective;

Walking up to this aircraft, I was surprised at how small it was. Understandably so, considering that its two 32kW Siemens motors are small enough to fit in a lunch box. Spanning 30.8ft (9.4m) and standing 6.5ft (2m) the aircraft is similar to a mid sized microlight.


The E-Fan project originated during the Paris Air Show in 2011. The aim of which was to revolutionise the aviation training industry by producing a 2 seater training aircraft. The company who decided to take on this massive challenge was Airbus Group Innovations, along with Aerocomposites Saintonge. Designs for the first E-Fan were developed later that year, with a final a 'go-ahead' for the technology demonstrator (F-WILE) given in 2012. Once produced the demonstrator went through an accelerated development and construction phase which meant that the E-Fan was unveiled at the 2013 Paris Air Show. Following on afterwards, the demonstrator F-WILE also made appearances at the Farnborough Air Show and the ILA Berlin Air Show.

After assembly at the airport on Thursday,
F-WILE taxied to the runway for an initial test  flight which was unfortunately cancelled due to a radio interference issue. This meant the aircraft had to return to the hangar. A short while later F-WILE re-emerged and began its taxi run back to the runway for its test flight In full view of the press, with both chase helicopters hovering nearby, the Airbus E-Fan took off at 16:30 (local) and flew for a total of 15 minutes before touching down at 16:45 (local).


The next morning, the airport was flooded with every broadcasting agency imaginable, hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of camera equipment were focus on F-WILE and its test pilot Monsieur Didier Esteyne.


















After walking the aircraft to parking stand 'Delta' (just in front of the restaurant), Monsieur Esteyne began giving interviews to many different cameras, while swarms of photographers clambered to get the best angle on the aircraft itself. After around 20 minutes, Monsieur Esteyne began fitting his parachute and emergency beacon, clambering into the cockpit and running through the systems.

All the while the press were still badgering for a few words and a good picture. All I can say is; as a student pilot, I can think of nothing worse than trying to perform internal checks while having a photo lens rammed up my nose!

Soon the time came for departure, the press were asked to retreat to the safety of the viewing area, the chase helicopters started the engines and positioned themselves. And, without any warning and with no drama or finesse, F-WILE just started to move. Any radio controlled aircraft enthusiasts who are reading will know exactly how the E-Fan sounds when its moving, but for those of you who do not, it sounds remarkably similar to a hand-held drill.

 The aircraft lined up on runway 21 and was cleared for take off, in no more than 300ft or so, the E-Fan was airborne and began a shallow climb to around 1000ft, turning right at about 400ft. Just like that, the first all electric cross channel flight was under way. 

I am reliably informed that 43minutes later, the E-Fan (F-WILE) and Didier arrived safely at Calais (LFAC) accompanied by its chase helicopters and was welcomed with open arms.  

For me personally, this aircraft marks the beginning of a long and exciting road to development. I am very much looking forward to hearing more about these electric aircraft and Airbus's future developments. I hope that the electric aircraft, does for AVGAS, what the electric car did for classic motor enthusiasts. Meaning that for all the air work that needs to be done in the future, where there is no need for display, noise or leisure, can be done by these brilliant work horses. Graciously leaving our skies clear at weekends, to make way for the noise, power and spectacle of of a piston driven or jet aircraft, because no one goes to an air show just to look at a Spitfire.    

Sources; Airbusefan.com, Airbus Group Innovations, www.airbusgroup.com