In 2009, Yuneec International of China demonstrated, in China and the USA, its new e430, the world's first commercially produced electric aircraft.
The e430 is a twin seat, single engine, LSA class aircraft designed to be simple to use, easy to fly and with virtually zero vibration. Low noise, no emissions, no fuel, extremely low maintenance and best of all. . . . . it is environmentally friendly, says the company.
Electric flight, once seen as futuristic, has arrived and with e430's flight times of between 1.5 and 3 hours (depending on configuration) electric flight now becomes a realistic power source for sport aviation. Charging times of 3 hours for as little as $5 make electric a really low cost way to fly and with only 2 main moving parts in the motor (the bearings) the reliability and maintenance are like nothing seen before. Add to that the delight of smooth, quiet powered flight or silent using its 25:1 glide ratio - the e430 is in a class of its own.
The e430 requires the equivalent of only $2 per hour of flight time in energy use and a significantly lower maintenance cost when compared to traditional gasoline guzzling airplanes.
Other advantages include a whisper quiet engine, reduced emissions which is great for the environment and a 25:1 glide ratio which means that it can glide 25 feet in the forward direction for every one foot drop in elevation. The higher glide ratio gives the pilot more time to find a suitable landing spot.
Cost for the plane will be about $89,000 when it is available Commercially in 2011.
Source: Yuneec
Yuneec also produces electric paramotors.
Source: Yuneec
Yunees reports that, "At the heart of E-PAC is our purpose designed direct drive brushless motor, the 'Power Drive 160'. Weighing only 3.8kg, it is the perfect power unit producing zero vibration or noise during operation and with only a single moving part it is virually maintenance free. Powered by Lithium Polymer cells the entire power system is housed inside a practical and ergonomic moulded body unit. It is the most compact power unit on the market, fitted with a 4 part 1.3m propeller cage designed for fast assembly and optimum efficiency. Our specialized 'aerofoil profile' tubing provides high strength and minimal drag. The 'quiet prop' and light weight 'easy grip' hand controller, fitted with an LCD data display and vibrating alarm system all combine to make E-PAC the most advanced paramotor in the world today."
Yuneec also has an electric microlight
"Operation is simplicity itself. Charge the battery pack, approximately 1.5 hours, insert the pack into the body, connect to the power grid (1x plug) and your E-PAC's ready to fly. Press the power switch, inflate your wing, squeeze the throttle and the sky is yours."
Source: Flying Pages
"The already efficient and lightweight airframe, made from aircraft grade aluminium, Carbon Fibre and Chrome-Moly tubing, will be further enhanced with wing tip extensions, new body design and numerous other changes to allow operation under FAR-103 whilst using the Yuneec 20Kw (27Hp) 'Electric' Power Drive motor system. Easy to use, extremely quiet, virtually vibration free, low cost operation and environmentally friendly. Electric power is the future and E-Spyder leads the way."
The pace is hotting up. This year, PC-Aero has announced a sports aircraft in Germany.
Also attend: Future of Electric Vehicles which uniquely covers the whole electric vehicle market - land, sea, air whether hybrid or pure EV - with emphasis on future breakthroughs.
