Pipistrel Taurus Electro
The longest-flying electric plane yet
The first two-seat battery-powered airplane, the Taurus Electro gives pilots the quiet-as-a-bird flight of a glider coupled with the practicality of a powered aircraft. Two lithium-polymer battery packs drive a top-mounted propeller, so the Electro can take off from a runway like a typical plane. Once airborne, the Electro switches into glider mode and rides thermal currents back to earth. A 31-pound electric motor makes it all possible by providing 30 kilowatts of power. Although the Taurus Electro is still classified by the FAA as "experimental," Pipistrel hopes to change that ruling and start selling it by next year. pipistrel.si
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Pipistrel Taurus Electro
The longest-flying electric plane yet
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Bravo! Now if only they can coat the top surfaces with lightweight, form-fitting solar panels, it will; 1. Improve range and practicality (for off site landings) 2. Win the "I'm a totally green flyin' machine" bragging rites award at the owner's local airport.
This is in any case a super great advancement in private aviation. I wish the manufacturers well!
its a useless hunk of junky monky
The only practicality this provides is better glide time without using a tow-plane to get airborn. Until we have toaster-sized nuclear reactors, electric power simply isn't feasible for anything but a glider. It does that very well, but for most aviation, it's not a help. Also, much of the noise comes from the prop, not the engine, so it won't be whisper-quiet.
40 horsepower from a 31 lb. electic motor?? I would like to know more about batt. volt/current..and motor..