Faradair Aerospace this week strengthened the leadership team behind its plans to bring a hybrid-electric regional/utility aircraft to market. Former Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing vice president Randy Tinseth is to lead the UK-based company’s advisory board, which will also include Tony Anderson, a former executive with low-cost carrier EasyJet.
From its headquarters at Duxford airfield in eastern England, Faradair is working on a full-scale prototype of the Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft (BEHA) that it aims to start flight testing in 2024, with a view to entering service in 2026, following type certification under Part 23 rules. Later plans call for an all-electric version of the short takeoff and landing aircraft once battery technology improves. The initial M1H model will be able to carry 18 passengers or 5 tonnes of freight on flights of up to around 1,150 miles. It would have a service ceiling of around 14,000 feet and fly at up to 230 mph.
