Designs for a flying motorcycle that could revolutionise electric aircraft were unveiled in Poland at the end of September by the University of Nottingham (www.nottingham.ac.uk).

Research Fellow Richard Glassock’s futuristic designs involve a detachable motorcycle acting as an additional power source for an electric aircraft to extend its flight time.

They were unveiled at the International Conference on Innovation in European Aeronautics Research in Warsaw.

All-electric aircraft offer reductions in running costs as well as lower emissions and lower noise levels, but their flight time on batteries is limited.

Mr Glassock’s designs use a conventionally fuelled combustion engine and a generator to provide energy efficiently with minimal emissions( he specialises in hybrid propulsion systems for aircraft at the Institute for Aerospace Technology).

Speaking about the new concept, he said: “As aircraft of the future adopt more electrical systems, we need engineering solutions to overcome current limitations.

"With my RExLite and RExMoto designs, leisure craft will be able to fly much further for much longer, offering pilots and owners of private two-seater or four-seater aircraft real benefits when commuting.”

RExLite is a self-contained 40kW power plant that can be fitted to a broad range of electric aircraft.

Providing up to 3hr hours extra endurance through the conventional combustion of hydrocarbon fuel, it is easy to manoeuvre and comes with a powered jack, so it can be positioned under a fuselage or wing.

RExMoto is a modular 50kW power plant that can be fitted to electric aircraft and provides two to three hours of extra endurance.

Designed as a conventional scooter or motorcycle, it can take to the road to provide transport to and from the airport.