VoltAero’s Electric-Hybrid Aircraft: Turning Wine Waste into Sky-High Dreams!
Well, folks - if you like wine and flying, this one is just for you. Today we’re peeking into the world of VoltAero and their Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft, which recently had a taste of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). And guess what? This SAF is made from waste from French vineyards! Talk about turning water - err, wine - into fuel! I must say, the idea of an electric aircraft sipping on wine waste is quite the spectacle! It’s like pairing a fine Bordeaux with a Tesla!
VoltAero, operating from their development facility in Royan, France, successfully flew their Cassio S testbed airplane using this SAF, provided by TotalEnergies. The fuel, Excellium Racing 100, reduces carbon emissions by a whopping 65% compared to fossil fuels. That’s like swapping your gas-guzzling muscle car for a nimble electric scooter!
The Cassio family, including the Cassio 330, 480, and the grand 600, all feature this electric-hybrid propulsion. They use an electric motor for the primary flight and a range-extending internal combustion engine. It’s like having your electric cake and eating your gasoline one too!
Now, the Cassio aircraft are designed for a variety of uses, from regional commercial operations to air taxis and private ownership. They’ll even be used for cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation missions.
Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO, is quite thrilled with this achievement, marking it as a step towards the use of biofuel in general aviation. The test results showed an impressive CO2 reduction of approximately 80% while operating in electric-hybrid mode with the internal combustion engine fueled by this fancy French vineyard waste!
The Cassio aircraft will use their electric motors for all electric-powered taxi, takeoff, primary flight on flights of less than 93 miles (150 kilometers), and landing. The internal combustion engine acts as a range extender and a fail-safe backup. It’s like having a spare tire that also boosts your car’s mileage!
This year, VoltAero unveiled the Cassio 330 at the Paris Air Show, a four/five-seater with a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 330 kilowatts. Following this, we’ll see the six-seater Cassio 480 and the largest, the Cassio 600, with 10/12 seats and a propulsion power of 600 kilowatts. It’s like watching a family of electric-hybrid aircraft grow up before our very eyes!
Now, I’m all for electric tech, but I can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the thought of flying on wine waste. But hey, if it gets us closer to aviation’s decarbonization goals and replaces standard Avgas 100 high-octane fuel, then I’m all ears - and wings!
VoltAero is certainly pushing the boundaries with their Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft. Turning wine waste into SAF and reducing carbon emissions is no small feat. It’s like turning your old leather jacket into a sleek, eco-friendly windbreaker!
So, here’s to VoltAero, for giving us a glimpse of a future where our flights might just be powered by the remnants of last night’s wine!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
