EADS/Rolls-Royce distributed electric propulsion concept

EADS E-Fan concept would combine single jet engine burning algae-produced biojet fuel and six superconducting electric fanjets on flights of up to two hours

Engineers are planning to build the first "hybrid" airliner propelled by a combination of wind, electricity and biofuel from algae.

Aerospace company EADS, maker of Airbus aircraft, and engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce are working to build a passenger aircraft that would produce 75% less carbon dioxide than a typical plane.

Using a similar principle to the hybrid engines used in some Toyotas, the designers are hoping to make planes less dependent on kerosene-based fuels.