Electric drive for ultra-light aircraft

The Ekarus development company aims to build a battery-electric ultra-light aircraft suitable for daily use. The electric aircraft will provide silent and ecological flight fun for clubs, schools and hobby pilots. It can also be operated in regions where noise restrictions apply.

Due to the use of new materials the ultra-light aircraft weighs only 500 kg while offering a roomy cockpit for 2 people, plenty of storage space and retractable landing gear.

The drive train consists of a VECTOPOWER inverter and electric motor. With these components the ultra-light aircraft can cruise at up to approx. 160 km/h with a maximum speed of 270 km/h. The VECTOPOWER electric motor at the heart of the electric drive delivers a permanent power of 45kW at 2000 rpm with a peak of 93 kW and a torque of 215 Nm.

Energy storage is available in 2 versions:

• Fuel cell with approx. 25 kW and a hydrogen tank for 154 litres. This is sufficient for a flying time of approx. 2.5 hours or a radius of approx. 500 km.
• Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a storage capacity of 25.6 kW/h. This is sufficient for a flying time of approx. 1.5 hours or a radius of approx. 250 km.

The maiden flight will take place this summer. Development should be completed by the end of 2011. Ekarus will present the ultra-light aircraft at the trade fair AERO Expo in Friedrichshafen from 13th – 16th April 2011. They are located in Hall A2, stand no. 200.