Google & NASA offer 1.65 Million prize in joint “Green Flight Challenge”

A Green Flight Challenge airplane prototype | Photo Credit: CAFE Foundation

Google, NASA, and the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency Foundation (CAFE)  are teaming up in an effort to make flying a little bit (or a lot) greener. They are hosting the “Green Flight Challenge,” a clean air transportation competition.

“Contestants must demonstrate that their aircraft can fly 200 passengers over a distance of 200 miles, in less than two hours, using the energy equivalent of just one gallon of gas or less per occupant,” Tara Kelly of the Huffington Post reports. “Aircraft may be propelled by a variety of clean technology, including batteries, electric motors, bio-fuel solutions or hybrid engines.”

How much can the winner go home with? $1.65 million. This is the biggest aviation competition prize in history. Some more details on the Green Flight Challenge:

• Sept 25-Oct 2
• Location: Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California
• Public opportunity to see the competing aircraft at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California on Oct 3.

It’s no surprise to see Google, NASA, and CAFE teaming up on this — they are all clear green leaders.

Read more at CleanTechnica.