Hybrid cars-powered by a mixture of novel electrical and conventional fossil-fuel technologies—are flourishing. So what about hybrid aircraft? The idea is not as far-fetched as it might sound. As with cars, the high cost of aviation fuel, not to mention concerns about aircraft noise and emissions, has created a clamour for greater energy efficiency. At the same time, aircraft are becoming ever more demanding of electrical power, and not just for avionics and entertainment systems. Boeing's new Dreamliner, due to enter service in 2008, will use electrical components in place of some pneumatic and hydraulic systems. This will improve performance and durability, and may also reduce weight, says Bill Glover, an environmental guru at Boeing.
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