Thu, Jul 28, 2011
In Other Words ... Buy A Garage, Get A Plane
By Gene Yarbrough
PC Aero, a German design and engineering company, announced the
introduction of the Elektra One at their exhibit Tuesday. The
aircraft is intended as a technology demonstrator to show what a
purpose built electric aircraft can accomplish.
The intent of the project is to demonstrate the flight
capabilities of a single place aircraft made from high performance
composites and electric motor and control technologies. The
aircraft is an all composite airframe with a winspan intended for
slow cruising or ridge soaring and thermaling flight. Calin
Gologan, CEO of PC Aero and developer of the Elektra One, said the
aircraft was not intended as a sailplane but needed a wing
appropriately long enough to cruise well. The airframe is covered
with photovoltaic solar panels provided by SolarWorld of Hillsboro,
Oregon. The cells produce about 7 watts each according to
SolarWorld representatives and will provide enough power to extend
the aircrafts range by approximately 50% compared to the onboard
batteries alone.
The aircraft is not slated to go into serial production anytime
soon but will serve as a test bed for the motor and battery
technology. Gologan indicated that as the technology matures and
customer demand is determined the company will offer a product that
meets those expectations.
In addition to the aircraft the company also offers a hangar
option. The hangar concept is to house the aircraft while an array
of rooftop mounted Solarworld Solar panels recharges the batteries.
The hangar also appears to offer living space judging by the models
displayed.
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