Frenchman Raphael Dinelli hopes to make the world's first zero-carbon flight across the Atlantic, in a hybrid aircraft called the Eraole.
In the footsteps of Charles Lindbergh —
Frenchman Raphael Dinelli hopes to make the world's first zero-carbon flight across the Atlantic, in a hybrid aircraft called the Eraole.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
The Eraole is a solar and biofuel-powered light biplane aircraft that's been in the making since 2009.
The Eraole —
The Eraole is a solar and biofuel-powered light biplane aircraft that's been in the making since 2009.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
It's powered by an electric engine fed by large solar panels spread over its wings.
Solar panels —
It's powered by an electric engine fed by large solar panels spread over its wings.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
At night, or at times when the aircraft can't draw enough energy from the sun, the Eraole switches to biofuel.
Biofuel —
At night, or at times when the aircraft can't draw enough energy from the sun, the Eraole switches to biofuel.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
Dinelli and his team have spent two years researching the best biofuel for the task, settling finally for an oil made from microalgae, cultivated specifically for this purpose.
Fuel made from microalgae —
Dinelli and his team have spent two years researching the best biofuel for the task, settling finally for an oil made from microalgae, cultivated specifically for this purpose.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
Overall, the Eraole's expected to run on solar power for around 25% of the time it's airborne. For 55% it'll be powered by biofuel. Gliding will account for 20%.
Fuel consumption —
Overall, the Eraole's expected to run on solar power for around 25% of the time it's airborne. For 55% it'll be powered by biofuel. Gliding will account for 20%.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
Dinelli is a former yachtsman and four-time veteran of the Vendee Globe, the notoriously challenging round-the-world nonstop solo sailing race.
Raphael Dinelli —
Dinelli is a former yachtsman and four-time veteran of the Vendee Globe, the notoriously challenging round-the-world nonstop solo sailing race.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale
Dinelli and his team at Fondation Ocean Vital hope that the Eraole will make its first flight in June 2016.
June 2016 —
Dinelli and his team at Fondation Ocean Vital hope that the Eraole will make its first flight in June 2016.
Courtesy Fondation Laboratoire Ocean Vitale