EADS to unveil world's first biofuel helicopter
The ‘hybrid’ helicopter, to be unveiled at the Berlin air show (ILA) next week, is powered by biofuel made from algae. <br /><br />
BERLIN (AFP): European aerospace giant EADS is poised to unveil a “hybrid†helicopter that runs on algae fuel, a world first, its technical director has said.
The firm will present the machine at the Berlin air show (ILA) that runs from June 9 to 13, Jean Botti told the Die Welt daily on Friday.
"At the ILA, we are going to fly for the first time a craft with biofuel that has been made 100 per cent from algae.
That is a world premiere," Botti said.
"We need a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. We soon need an alternative to kerosine," he said, adding: "If 10 per cent of our fleet is lying with biofuel in 2040, I would be extremely happy."
Slimy, fast-growing and full of fat, algae is quickly gaining ground as a potential renewable energy source.
Experts say it is also potentially useful for its ability to gobble up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while living happily in places not needed for food crops.
"I have high hopes for algae," said Botti.
The firm will present the machine at the Berlin air show (ILA) that runs from June 9 to 13, Jean Botti told the Die Welt daily on Friday.
"At the ILA, we are going to fly for the first time a craft with biofuel that has been made 100 per cent from algae.
That is a world premiere," Botti said.
"We need a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. We soon need an alternative to kerosine," he said, adding: "If 10 per cent of our fleet is lying with biofuel in 2040, I would be extremely happy."
Slimy, fast-growing and full of fat, algae is quickly gaining ground as a potential renewable energy source.
Experts say it is also potentially useful for its ability to gobble up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while living happily in places not needed for food crops.
"I have high hopes for algae," said Botti.
