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.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]