© Nasa Langley / Advanced Concepts Lab, AMA, Inc.

... electric aircraft of this type can be up to 40 % cheaper to produce than conventional ones. The X-57 is powered by a rechargeable battery. It therefore has no combustion engine as a range extender or for recharging the on-board battery. The aircraft is expected to make its maiden flight next year and will be the same size as conventional private aircraft. The picture shows a rendering (as well as picture 1 in this series). Nasa researchers are currently testing the prototype ...