Slender and elegant, with two long wings placed in the back, it looks like a super jet that turns gas built to cross the planet with little respect for the environmental impact.
There is an electric passenger plane concept that focuses on efficiency, sustainability and… glamor. The concept is the work of the New York designer Joe doucet, which drew inspiration from its frequent short-haul business travel flights to produce something capable of making the journey without producing the typical emissions of aviation engines. Doucet's design, the “zero emission” Her0 Zero aircraft uses electric propellers located in the rear to provide thrust, while the sweeping wings ending in large upward-facing fins provide ascension.
Her0 is yet another example of how the aviation industry is dealing with the problem of growth and environmental impact.
This Her0 Zero project, says Doucet, has both a practical and an aesthetic purpose. The propellers, he says, are reliable and efficient. The aircraft is slightly slower (around 20%) but the designer believes this is not a problem on short or medium range flights. As for the inverted wing design, this is to ensure the balance of the aircraft - most of the weight will be in the rear of the aircraft, as that is where the battery will be.
Her0, practice and aesthetics
Aesthetically speaking, Doucet says he wanted to give the aircraft a "somewhat futuristic" look to attract the attention of the aviation industry. “Under the hood,” however, the intentions are good and serious. Between saying and doing, however… Doucet defines himself as a "Designer, entrepreneur, inventor and creative director", but he's not an aeronautical engineer, and this is his first foray into the world of aviation.
And that's why Her0, Doucet also recognizes, may never see the light of day. But the designer's goal is also to open a conversation, and if interest in his design encourages progress towards electric aircraft, he'll consider it a success. At present, he has already been approached by aeronautical engineers, suggesting improvements and discussing potential collaborations.
