USAF Eglin test pilots evaluate Pipistrel Velis Electro
After a quick taxi out to Duke Field’s runway, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty spun up the 21-foot, electric aircraft’s 80-horsepower engine and zoomed forward. The Pipistrel Velis Electro quietly lifted off heading north as the sun dipped in the west around dusk. The 96th Test Wing commander was one of approximately 20 test pilot volunteers to try out the electric aircraft with the 35-foot wingspan during its three-week field trip...
VoltAero performs world first electric-hybrid aircraft flight using 100% SAF
French startup VoltAero has confirmed the successful first flight of its Casso S test aircraft, powered by a hybrid electric/fuel powerplant. Conducted from the company’s devopment facility at Royan, France, the Cassio S combustion engine used a 100% sustainable fuel provided by TotalEnergies, named Excellium Racing 100, which is made from bioethanol produced from waste that originates in French vineyards. “Based on initial...
The all electric eDA40 makes its first flight
The all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at the Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Austria. The flight marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer and its project partners towards certifying the aircraft. Diamond Aircraft expect the eDA40 to be the first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part23 certified electric aircraft. The eDA40 is the manufacturer’s latest prototype...
EASA grants first type certification for electric trainer
During June, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency announced the certification of an electric airplane, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first type certification worldwide of a fully electric aircraft, which the Agency claims is an important milestone in the quest for environmentally sustainable aviation. “This is an exciting breakthrough,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. “This is the first electric aircraft EASA has...
