UK start-up Faradair announces it will launch its hybrid electric commercial flyer by 2025

LONDON, United Kingdom - Earlier this month, British aerospace start-up Faradair revealed its intention to certify its 18 seat, hybrid electric ‘BEHA’ aircraft (Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft) by 2025 for passenger operations.

Designated the BEHA_M1H, the hybrid powered aircraft uses a patented "triple box-wing" high-lift configuration, delivering short take-off and landing (STOL) capability requiring less than 300 meters of runway. With twin contra-rotating "propfans" within a vectored thrust, acoustic reduction duct that improves efficiency and reduces noise to a target of 60dba at take-off.

Faradair says that the aircraft will be able to change configuration in 15 minutes from cargo to passenger and vice versa. London to Manchester could be flown in just 42 minutes at a cruise speed of 230mph.

Unlike many E-VTOL projects currently proposed, the Faradair BEHA is a traditional aircraft, certifiable to existing Part23 standards, able to operate from existing airfields and is able to operate from runways of 300m or less of any surface and be able to integrate within existing air networks.

Its hybrid propulsion system combines electric motors with a turboprop engine and the aircraft will use existing battery technology for emergency power and ground operations.

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