NASA and the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency project (CAFE) have partnered to create a new $300,000 Personal Air Vehicle Challenge for 2008. It will be a “Pentaviathon” that aims to advance five vital general aviation technologies: noise reduction, fuel efficiency, speed, safety and ease of use. This year, the event introduces its first-ever “Green Prize,” which organizers say will test true “Environmental Efficiency.” The $50,000 Green Prize will reward the competing aircraft that scores the highest MPGe, or equivalent miles per gallon, a measure based upon fuel price, fuel density and payload, after flying a CAFE 400 race course. Other prizes will recognize technological achievements in the five main categories, with special awards for light sport aircraft.
Registration for the event opened on Dec. 23. The competition will be conducted at CAFE’s Flight Test Center in Santa Rosa, Calif., from Aug. 2 to 10. More details and information for competitors can be found online.
