Yuneec's E430 Electric Airplane Has Up to 2.5 Hours' Endurance

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Electric Aircraft: This Idea Has Legs

Its almost a truism that aircraft performance numbers are a smoke-and-mirrors act where best-case scenarios are pushed forward as simple facts. Looking at the numbers we have to remind ourselves that real-world compromises-no, you cant fill the tanks and the seats-are kept off the table. Were beginning to smell the distinct aroma of aviation optimism, spiked with a twist of marketing, in the new arena of electric aircraft. With an opportunity for those potential buyers to put deposits down on kits or power systems within the next 12 months, its time to take a close look at where this new industry stands. Electric flight in enclosed light airplanes is practical with todays technology. Yuneec International and Electric Aircraft have both flown proof-of-concept aircraft on battery power for dozens of hours. Sonex has a couple of years invested in systems development. None of these companies have hit the two-person, two-hour, 85 MPH mark, but they are close enough that we can believe its within the grasp of incremental improvement. The bad news is that we have no solid way to benchmark these designs. This is a new arena where we can only make educated guesses.

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What a Shock! Electric Airplanes Are Abuzz at OSH

EAAs AirVenture is always hosting innovation in aviation, and Yuneec International took full advantage of the shows reputation by showing a Chinese-built electrically powered airplane.

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