The sleek, electric aircraft of science fiction are one step closer to becoming a reality after engineering company VoltAero debuted its latest production model at the Paris Air Show, New Atlas reported.
The company's Cassio 330 is a five-seat regional passenger aircraft that will be used for air taxi and charter, cargo, and medical evacuation purposes.
The Cassio 330 uses an electric-hybrid propulsion system, which VoltAero describes on its website as "safe, efficient, and eco-friendly."
The plane's two electric motors will be powered by both battery banks and a thermal engine, which will also serve to recharge the batteries during cruising. However, taxiing, climbing, and landing will be fully electric.
For additional safety, the aircraft will contain dual-battery strings and dual-channel stator windings in the motors so that the engines could remain partially operational, even in case of an emergency.
The design of the craft also excited viewers at the Air Show. The interior cabin is the largest in its class by both height and width, with a full glass cockpit and a sleek, futuristic look.
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"As we take another step toward the Cassio 330's production, our strategy remains unchanged: using safe and efficient electric-hybrid propulsion and power technologies that are realistically available today, applying them to a conventional takeoff/landing aircraft for sustainable regional transportation using existing airport infrastructure," said Jean Botti, CEO and CTO of VoltAero.
It seems like a distant future, but these technologies could become a reality within the next several years — some are already in the process of doing test flights. For passengers, this will make traveling and commuting both faster and likely more affordable, due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Using hybrid-electric aircraft will also be enormously beneficial to both public and environmental health. Currently, aircraft, cars, trucks, and ships generate a staggering amount of polluting, planet-warming emissions — nearly one quarter of all emissions each year, per Our World in Data.
The toxic compounds they emit by burning gas for fuel also pose significant public health risks via air and noise pollution. For example, commercial and jet aircraft emit anywhere from 90 to 150 decibels of noise pollution when they fly, according to Purdue University; for comparison, the Cassio will emit 4 decibels at most.
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It's not clear exactly when production or delivery of the Cassio 330 will begin, though VoltAero plans to deliver a similar technology — an aircraft powertrain unit — by late 2026, according to a press release. Once production ramps up, the company estimates it will build 150 units each year.
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