CoolPix - Electric: EADS 4 Motor Electron Burning Cri Cri

(click pic for hi-res)

 Holy electron Batman, electric airplanes are popping up all over the place these days!  I'm posting this CooPix, in the new 'Electric' category, as the fabulous Solar Impulse is well into its 24 hour solar powered electric flight... and working extremely well it seems. And this here pic is of a project revealed a few weeks back from EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) of an updated Cri Cri homebuilt that's powered by 4 small electric motors with counter rotating props.

 It's part of an effort to continue to push 'electric propulsion system' technologies forward opening the door to more potential aviation applications. This is actually a pretty exciting time as we're beginning to see a lot of progress being made in this area. The practical application of stored electric power for everyday aviation use is probably still a long a way off, but it wasn't very long ago when it really didn't seem like it could ever be practical. Barriers are being knocked down on a regular basis these days.

 This particular airplane, based on the rather amazing all metal Cri Cri homebuilt that was made somewhat popular in the 70's and 80's, is actually made with composites to further lighten the structure. They claim it will be able to fly for 30 minutes at about 70 mph. It may have made its first flight already, but I was unable to confirm that at the moment. It is however extremely cool to look at.. and to image what fun it might be running bugs thru those 4 cute little props : )

UPDATE: FlightGlobal.com story on the first flight of the EADS electric Cri Cri 

Video: The 'Solar Impulse' 24 Hour Electric Flight Is Under Way!

Follow along with the Solar Impulse with their real-time flight tracking

 Simple video of the historic take off early this morning of the Solar Impulse (HB-SIA) from Payerne airfield in Switzerland shortly before 7 am (0500 GMT or 1 a.m. EDT) as the rather amazing Solar Impulse sets out to fly 24 hours on solar powered electric propulsion only. You can learn loads more and even follow the flight in real-time at SolarImpulse.com.

 This video highlights test pilot Markus Scherdel but also gives some insight into how the airplane is operated and includes a lot of views of the aircraft in flight.

 This video shows the Solar Impulse making its first flight straight down the runway on December 3, 2009. It's pretty amazing to see such a large aircraft (208 foot wingspan and around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds) take off at just over 20 mph! The view taken from a helicopter flying ahead of the aircraft really gives you the opportunity to see how stable and controlled the Solar Impulse is. An aircraft this large, with such a light structure, and so underpowered could easily wind up in a bad situation. The team really seems to know what they are doing.

 The airplane is designated HB-SIA and has 4 small electric motors that produce just 10hp each with a cruising speed of around 43 mph. It's designed to operate at high altitudes up an absolute maximum of 39,000 feet, and be able to fly for 36 hours at a time.

 The follow on aircraft, HB-SIB, yet to be built, will be somewhat larger with a pressurized cockpit and has the goal of flying around the world in 20 to 25 days of duration on solar electric power sometime in 2012. Godspeed Solar Impulse!