First flight: electric aircraft for climate-neutral flying
The "Elektra Trainer" is characterised in particular by its quiet flight operation, short set-up time, low operating costs and a special assistance system
The RM spin-off Elektra Solar successfully performed the maiden flight of a two-seater electric ultralight aircraft "Elektra Trainer" on 29 June. The "Elektra Trainer" took off from Memmingen International Airport virtually noiselessly and emission-free, and was landed again 20 minutes later by test pilot Uwe Nortmann after two circuits of the airfield. The ultra-light aircraft was designed as a climate-friendly alternative for sports pilots and flight instructors. The flight time is around 2.5 hours with a range of 300 kilometres.
The unique selling points of the "Elektra Trainer" are the particularly quiet flight operation, which enables flying especially at noise-sensitive times of day, the set-up time of approx. 30 minutes from the transport trailer to flight readiness, the low operating costs and a special assistance system, which was developed in close cooperation with the RM Institute.
After the maiden flight, further flights are planned in order to obtain German UL certification by the end of the year. Preparations are also being made for series production. Konstatin Kondak, CEO of Elektra Solar, explains that the rapid development of complex high-tech products and their introduction to the market is decisively supported by close cooperation between high-tech companies and research institutions.
The company Elektra Solar is planning to develop a 10-seater regional electric aircraft with a range of 500 kilometres in less than 10 years. The RM Institute is also working closely with the company in this area with regard to electric drives and autonomy functionalities for future electric passenger aircraft.
