Air France Trials Futuristic-Looking Carbon-Free Vehicle

Flickr User Morgy, Creative Commons License

The Airpod uses innovative technology: a compressed air engine which is totally clean, and generates no CO2 emissions. The\nambiant air is compressed using an electric compressor. It is then\nstocked in a high-pressure tank located under the vehicle.

It takes 3 to 4 hours to fill up with compressed air, using a low\npressure compressor, but could eventually do so in less than 3 minutes\nby using high-pressure compressor stations.\n

Two types of Airpod

Two types of Airpod will be tested at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol Airports:

. cargo vehicles which would transport minor equipment such as tool boxes, aircraft components and spare parts;
. people carriers, capable of carrying a driver and two passengers. \n

What exactly does this trial consist of?

4\nvehicles will be tested for Air France Industries' maintenance\nactivities and Air France's operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and 3\nat KLM E&M at Amsterdam Schiphol.\n

For each AirPod, an appointed «test pilot» will carry out a series\nof tests in order to assess the vehicle's overall performance, and in\nparticular the aspects concerning safety, ergonomy, reliability and\nautonomy.\n

MDI will be fully responsible for this feasibility study, which will\nreveal whether the Airpod meets the expectations of Air France\nIndustries and KLM E&M.