Airbus starts design of hybrid-electric 100-seater

In less than two decades, Airbus’s concept for the VoltAir E-Fan could spawn a new family of 100-seat regional airliners with a hybrid-electric propulsion system anchored by diesel engines sending 6MW of power to a row of electric thrusters. The potential 100-seat aircraft is still early in the design phase, but Airbus already appears to be leaning toward a familiar configuration. (www.flightglobal.com) More...