Remember the Elektra One, the electricity-powered plane that PC-Aero developed for NASA and CAFE’s Green Flight Challenge? Well, it has just been announced that Google will be joining NASA and CAFE in sponsoring the Green Flight Challenge. The event, which has been rescheduled to September 25 to October 3, will see teams from all over the USA competing with their most eco-friendly aircrafts for the grand prize of $1,650,000.
For those unfamiliar with the requirements, the aircrafts must be able to fly 200 passengers over a distance of 200 miles, in less than 2 hours, using the energy equivalent of just one gallon of gas or less per occupant. Aircraft may be propelled by clean technology such as batteries, electric motors, bio-fuel solutions or hybrid engines. And to prevent noise pollution, the aircraft’s noise levels should be under 78 decibels.
Google is no stranger when it comes to supporting the environment, with the company investing in wind farms, and solar power towers to make the world a better place. Its decision to help sponsor the Green Flight Challenge comes as no surprise as Google is known for having EV charging stations all around the Google Campus.
The Green Flight Challenge is over a month away, and we’re interested to see what other impressive and innovative planes will be taking part in the competition. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted.