A research team from the University of Cambridge, working with Boeing, has successfully tested a prototype for a plane with a parallel electric hybrid engine.

The plane is the first of its type to be able to recharge its batteries whilst in the air, potentially paving the way for a more ecologically sound approach to air travel.

The prototype uses a four-stroke piston engine and an electric motor/generator, coupled through the same drive pulley to drive the propeller. It also uses 30 per cent less fuel than a petrol engine alone.

The prototype is built around lithium polymer batteries, which helps keep it light enough to fly.

While the initial project is based around a one-seater light aircraft, it is hoped that the technology can be applied to larger aircraft for commercial purposes.

Project leader Dr Paul Robertson of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering said: “Although hybrid cars have been available for more than a decade, what’s been holding back the development of hybrid or fully-electric aircraft until now is battery technology.”