Airbus E-Fan
| Company type | Prototype aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Airbus Group, Aero Composites Saintonge |
| Defunct | April 2017 |
| Headquarters | Toulouse , France |
| Products | Electric aircraft (E-Fan, E-Fan 2.0, E-Fan 4.0) |
The Airbus E-Fan represents a prototype electric aircraft designed to accommodate two occupants, developed by Airbus. It was unveiled to the public during the 2014 Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom, with a primary focus on the flight training sector. However, production plans were discontinued in April 2017.
Design and development
The E-Fan project was a collaboration between Airbus Group and Aero Composites Saintonge, featuring propulsion from lithium-ion batteries powering dual electric motors. This aircraft is configured for one pilot along with a single passenger. Its inaugural test flight took place in April 2014 at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in France, attended by prominent figures such as French Industry Minister Arnaud Montebourg. During the Farnborough 2014 event, Airbus revealed intentions to manufacture the E-Fan 2.0 by 2017, which would offer side-by-side seating arrangements, and also hinted at future advancements toward a commercial regional aircraft.
Constructed entirely from composite materials, the E-Fan is a two-seat, twin-motor, all-electric low-wing monoplane. It incorporates a T-tail design and features retractable tandem landing gear supplemented by outrigger wheels. The electric motors are positioned on either side of the rear fuselage.
Airbus had planned two production models: the E-Fan 2.0, a two-seat trainer, and the E-Fan 4.0, a four-seat touring version equipped with a hybrid-electric system that includes a small engine acting as a range extender—boosting endurance from two to three and a half hours. The targeted first flights were set for 2017 for the E-Fan 2.0 and 2019 for the E-Fan 4.0.
Propulsion is provided by two ducted fans with variable pitch, driven by electric motors delivering a combined output of 60 kW. The ducted design enhances thrust efficiency while minimizing noise levels; centrally located fans aid in improved handling. Energy storage relies on 250-volt lithium polymer battery packs supplied by South Korean company Kokam, installed inside the wings. These batteries offer approximately one hour of flight duration followed by an equivalent recharge period. An auxiliary onboard battery is included to support emergency landings if necessary. The retractable landing gear features a powered main wheel driven by a 6 kW motor that allows taxiing without activating the main flight motors and assists acceleration to takeoff speed, thereby reducing stress on the propulsion system.
In December 2014, Airbus announced that DAHER-SOCATA would be responsible for completing the design work and certifying the aircraft. The prototype development and testing were managed jointly by Airbus subsidiary VoltAir and Daher-Socata; subsequently, the aircraft was marketed under the name VoltAir E-Fan.
By April 2015, Airbus confirmed that manufacturing would take place at a newly established facility adjacent to DAHER-SOCATA’s plant near Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport, with initial deliveries anticipated in late 2017 or early 2018.
In April 2017, Airbus decided to halt production of the E-Fan to concentrate efforts on developing a hybrid-electric regional jet-sized aircraft aimed at entering service around 2030.
Operational history
On 9 July 2015, piloted by chief engineer Didier Esteyne, the E-Fan completed an electric crossing of the English Channel, flying from Lydd Airport to Calais–Dunkerque Airport. While initially promoted as the first electric aircraft to achieve this feat, it was later acknowledged that prior electric flights had occurred—including the MacCready Solar Challenger in 1981. Airbus currently describes it as the "first all-electric two-engine aircraft" to cross the Channel. Although Siemens sponsored certain electrical components on the E-Fan, they did not provide its motors.
Variants
- E-Fan
- A two-seat prototype aircraft and technology demonstrator, which had its maiden flight in March 2014.
- E-Fan 2.0
- An intended all-electric production version with two seats, originally scheduled for release in 2017.
- E-Fan 4.0
- A planned hybrid-electric model accommodating four passengers, aimed for a 2019 launch; equipped with a kerosene-powered generator to increase flight duration from 2 hours to 3.5 hours.
- E-Thrust
- A conceptual design for a regional jet seating 90 passengers, developed using E-Fan technology principles.