AERO-Friedrichshafen, April 2 through 5 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will feature an exhibit hall dedicated to ecological alternatives for general aviation. Among the exhibitors will be the Sunseeker, an American solar-powered glider created by Eric Raymond; French company Helite’s hydrogen-powered ultralight; and the University of Stuttgart’s Hydrogenius project—a hydrogen-powered two-seat ultralight. The Hydrogenius is based on the Pipistrel, a Slovakian airplane. The Sunseeker has already flown 500 hours and flown across the United States in 21 stages.
In addition, the University of Turin’s SkySparks hydrogen fuel cell project will be featured. The SkySparks is scheduled to have its first flight later in 2009.
New biofuels and high-performance batteries will also be on display.
This will be AERO’s first “e-flight-expo,” and the “e” in the name stands for ecological, electrical, and evolutionary propulsion developments that are environmentally friendly. AERO developed the e-flight display concept with the help of the authors of a German reference book called Fluegel der Welt (Wings of the World).
Previously a biennial event, AERO will take place annually after the 2009 show. As in years past, AOPA Pilot will be there to provide near-real-time online reporting and video coverage of what has become Europe’s most popular and significant convention dedicated solely to general aviation.
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