With all of the new battery technologies and new electric cars, it was only a matter of time before electric planes would be taking to the skies.  Once such electric plane, the ElectraFlyerC gave onlookers at the AirVenture in OshKosh, WI. quite a show.

According to Wired, the plane received its airworthiness certificate in April.  The plane which is small, has a 5.6 kWh lithium battery with a lifecycle of 1,000 recharges. 

It provides juice for a motor driving a 45-inch superlight PowerFin propeller made of a foam core surrounded by an outer shell of carbon fiber and glass fabric.

Once in the air, the ElectraFlyerC can fly for one and a half to two hours at 90 mph.  Stall speed is 45 mph.  The plane can be recharged in six hours from a 110v outlet, easily found in any home.  Using a 220v outlet allows recharging in just 6 hours. 

One of the marvels of the plane is its silence.  Unlike most small planes that require some form of ear protection, the ElectraFlyerC is quiet.  Neighbors won’t be irritated by the noise of your plane nor will local livestock. 

Besides cutting down on the noise pollution, the electric plane produces very little soot or pollution.  Overhauling the plane is easy and running the thing only costs about 60 cents a charge.

Compared to most small airplanes taken up for a joy ride, this plane is remarkably friendly for the environment on all levels from noise pollution, to air pollution.  Flying a plane that is quieter than many lawnmowers could only decrease the resentment of any airport neighbors. 

Having a flying time of only one and a half to two hours makes this a plane for weekend hobbyists and not commuters.  I would be interesting however, to add laminated solar cells to the wings and body since they wouldn’t add much weight and see if that improved the flying time.

This would be a fun plane to fly.  More than a glider but not as complex as your basic fuel guzzling small plane.  Maybe I’ll start flying lessons again, if this is the type of plane I can learn on. 

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Entry was posted on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at 12:23 am under Green Technology, Science and technology.

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