Batteries included [The Big Picture]

Summary form only given, as follows. Project Zero [pictured here at the Paris Air Show in June] is the world´s first all-electric tilt-rotor vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Its looks are breathtaking, and amazingly, it went from back-of-the-napkin sketch to unmanned aerial maneuvering in only 12 months. The craft is the brainchild of British helicopter maker AgustaWestland, and a veritable dream team of companies from several related industries contributed their expertise. For example, Stile Bertone, an Italian coachbuilder, is responsible for the aircraft´s exotic look. And AnsaldoBreda, the Italian train maker, contributed the electric motor inverter and motor control algorithm. AgustaWestland has divulged few details about the aircraft. We do know, however, that the group is busy refining a hybrid diesel-electric model that will use the rotors as wind turbines to recharge its batteries when not in flight.