You must have already heard a lot of buzz about the electric cars, now it is time for the electric planes. Only a few years back, no one would have thought that even planes could be operated with electric motors, but today it's reality. In fact, electric planes are becoming more powerful and faster with every passing day. Just take a look at the some of the most amazing manned electric aircrafts listed in this article.
Manned electric aircraft
1. Yuneec E430
As far as the appearance is considered, the Yuneec E430 looks very much like any other ordinary aircraft, however, the major difference lies in the fact that this aircraft is entirely electric. A domestic 230 volt power supply can charge this aircraft in 3 hours. This twin engine, single seat, double aircraft made its maiden flight at the Yuneec factory near Shanghai. Early reports have claimed that this plane is both vibration free and very quiet. Simplicity is at the core of the design of the E430, it is simple to fly and requires low maintenance. Also, the flight experience is significantly enhanced because of lack of vibration and low noise. The Yuneec E430 made its international debut at the Oshkosh EAA AirVenture only after undergoing the FAA certification. The all up cost of the plane is $89,000.
2. Cri-Cri
If you want to be Eco-friendly and at the same time love the thrill of high speeds, then you must definitely want to have a look at the Cri-Cri. The Cri-Cri all electric plane holds the record for the highest speed in its category. The French aviation company has launched this zero emission electric aircraft which is capable of hitting a top speed of 162 mph and has beaten the previous record set by an Italian team which was 155 mph. The electric motors delivering power to this aircraft are made by Electravia and are capable of generating 35 horsepower. Cri-Cri used only 75 percent of its power to set this new record! The designers and team have claimed that the plane could reach the top speed of about 220 mph if it runs at full power, however, the airframe of this plane can't withstand such speed. Another reason behind this high speed of Cri-Cri is the reduced air drag. Several measures have been taken to counter and reduce air drag, for instance, the plane is fitted with sleek motor cowlings and custom propellers which reduces the drag considerably.
3. Sky Spark
Before Cri-Cri, the Sky Park held the record for the fastest electrically powered aircraft having a top speed of 155 mph. The Sky Park set this record at the World Air Games in Turin, Italy. A 75 kW electric motor using brushless technology delivers power to this plane. Another liquid-cooled 65 kW Valentino synchronous motor by Sicme Motori is attached to this plane which helped it in achieving this top speed. Also, a lithium polymer battery assists the motors. Sky Spark is capable of going beyond the existing record, provided some special modifications are done in its design. The Sky Spark is a joint venture of two organizations: the Turin Polythechnic University and Digisky, which is an Italian start-up company having specialization in R&D innovative technology.
4. Rapid 200-FC
The Rapid 200-FC came into existence because of the efforts made by ten partners from across the European Union. The main purpose of this aircraft was to demonstrate that electric aircraft using fuel cells as main power supply are fully viable. This aircraft based on the zero-emission propulsion system is powered by a 20 kW Li-Po battery and a 20 kW PEM fuel cell which together form the electric hybrid system of this plane. As far as the engine performance and handling qualities are concerned, the aircraft has delivered more than what was expected from it.
5. E-volo Multicopter
The E-volo Multicopter has been able to claim the title for the first manned electric helicopter. The designers have claimed that it is much simpler in mechanics and construction in comparison to other helicopters. It can land safely even when four of its motors stop functioning, also the propellers experience much less wear. Depending upon the payload and battery, the potential flight times can range from 10-30 minutes. The altitude, attitude (horizontal orientation to the ground) and the direction of the travel are controlled by the onboard computers which run the custom firmware control. The company is even planing to launch the commercial version of this manned multicopter.
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