Radical. Weird. Futuristic. Brave. But above all, Innovative. Five words that go some way to describing an amazing project from new British company, Faradair Aerospace. The six-seat aircraft is called BEHA, which stands for Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft.
Hybrid propulsion is just the start of the innovation in this proposed aircraft. Three main wings sporting solar panels plus wind turbines recover energy to charge the batteries both in-flight and when on the ground. The batteries power 200hp electric motors which drive the side-mounted fans.
At the back is a 200hp bio-diesel generator as a failsafe reserve and additional cruise power, driving the rear-mounted ‘pusher’ propeller. This prop sits on idle as the aircraft takes off and lands under electric power from the side fan motors. Once in cruise mode, the rear engine throttles up to provide pusher prop power and more importantly, to re-charge the batteries.
It’s the brainchild of Neil Cloughley, an entrepreneur with a background in commercial aviation and Information Technology (IT).
“Markets will be opened up as this lightweight, state-of-the-art, carbon fibre, high-lift designed aircraft will negate night flight restrictions and pollution concerns,” said Neil, who is managing director of Faradair Aerospace. “Its truly radical and futuristic design aims to follow in the footsteps of other great British aviation achievements.
“The BEHA aircraft concept is currently building an impressive list of partners,” continued Neil. “Many will be revealed in coming weeks. They include the renowned aviation engineering university at Cranfield to help deliver key technologies to make the prototype aircraft a reality within the next two years.”
The aircraft will have the ability to be remote-controlled by a Faradair ground pilot in cases of emergency. Plus the aircraft will be fitted with a ballistic parachute recovery system and one of the most impressive safety structures within general aviation, based on Formula 1 style crash protection.
“This aircraft will be one of the most eco-friendly and safest aircraft in the world, costing somewhere close to $1m US dollars per aircraft,” said Neil.
“The BEHA will give operators the ability to operate inter-city travel with minimal impact on those around them, and minimal operation costs. From flight schools, wildlife observation and emergency services, to recreational and business use, this aircraft will offer opportunities and options throughout all hours of the day and night.”
Faradair has launched a crowd funding programme at Kickstarter to finance the project. The company is named after Michael Faraday, the 19th century English scientist whose discoveries included electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis – more commonly known as ‘Faraday’s Law’ – leading to the invention of the electric motor.
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Faradair Aerospace
On Kickstarter