EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Boeing Centennial Plaza - Jet Blue Airbus A321 and Airbus E-Fan

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

A great variety of aircraft were on static display in Boeing Centennial Plaza during the week, and the two aircraft featured here represent the opposite sides of the spectrum from one manufacturer: Airbus Group.   

The Airbus commercial airline product line was represented by a JetBlue Airbus A321 named BluesMobile, the largest member of the A320 series.  The stretched, single-isle jet can transport 185-220 passengers up to 4,000nm.  The aircraft can be outfitted with either CFM56 or IAE V2500 turbofan engines, with additional passenger and engine options projected for 2018.  Commonality with the A320 family of jets is also a positive selling point for the A321.

 
  

On the other side of the size spectrum, the Airbus E-Fan, the first twin-engine electric aircraft to cross the English Channel in 2015.  Also present was Didier Esteyne, the pilot on that cross-channel flight.  The lithium polymer 120-cell battery system powers twin ducted fans for a flight of up to an hour.  The aircraft features carbon composite construction, and provides an integrated aileron/elevator/rudder flight control system.  The E-Fan will continue to provide research and development experience for further research into electric flight.