SportStar EPOS Makes Two Flights In The Czech Republic

Evektor's electric powered LSA SportStar EPOS made its first flight from the Kunovice airport in Czech Republic March 28. The aircraft was piloted by Evektor's factory pilot Radek Surý. After taxi tests at 8:25 am, the aircraft took off for its first test flight. After a short, approximately ten-minute flight, it landed successfully, and a second flight followed immediately afterwards. The total time that the aircraft flew powered by an electric motor reached about 30 minutes.

"I am glad that we are among the first companies in the world, who have managed to realize the idea of electric motor powered sport aircraft on the level of machine heading toward the serial production. I perceive a close parallel with the automotive industry. In that field, electromobility also struggles for its place on the market, which it deserves, but in doing so it must overcome a number of technical problems. I am convinced that the range of potential of electric driven sport aircraft is very wide," said Martin Dršticka, manager of the EPOS project.

"The philosophy of Evektor includes pushing the boundaries of technical possibilities and finding new solutions not only in the field of aircraft design, but also in other industrial sectors. Through the development of electrically powered aircraft we have proved our developmental potential and enthusiasm of our employees for new technologies and design concepts. Now we have to pass through the period of tests and improvement of technical parameters which will enable us to achieve our goal - a fully operational sport aircraft powered by an electric motor," said Managing Director Václav Zajíc.

The SportStar EPOS (Electric POwered Small Aircraft) is a derivative of the SportStar RTC, and represents the concept of two-seater sport aircraft of the near future. The experimental operation of the SportStar EPOS was made possible due to close cooperation between Evektor and the Czech Light Aircraft Association. the SportStar EPOS was aerodynamically optimized and is equipped with new trapezoidal wing of extended span. The aircraft is powered by 50 kW electric motor, which is also suitable for gliders, motorized rogallos or powered paragliding. During the upcoming flight tests, the function of the power unit and its effect on flight and operational characteristics of the airplane will be examined. The objective is to develop an aircraft which can be used both by private customers, as well as flight schools as a suitable aircraft for initial pilot training. The prototype of the SportStar EPOS was manufactured by Evektor-Aerotechnik company, one of the world largest manufacturers of the advanced light sport as well as training aircraft. Evektor-Aerotechnik sells its aircraft in some 40 countries worldwide.

The first SportStar EPOS presentation to the public will take place at the Europe's largest aviation exhibition; Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany, which will be held April 24th to 27th.

The project was supported financially by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the guidance of Evektor and in collaboration with other Czech companies, including Rotex electric - manufacturer of the electric motor RE X90-7, Aerospace Research and Test Establishment - manufacturer of the propeller, MGM compro - manufacturer of the motor control unit and Faculty of Information Technology of Brno University of Technology - supplier of the display unit for motor parameters.

(Image from Evektor YouTube video)

FMI: www.evektoraircraft.com