Condor Aviation’s White Lightning will use an electric motor that at flight speeds of 482 km per hour on a tight 5 km circuit, just 10 meters above the ground.
Condor Aviation’s modified Cassutt aircraft, called White Lightning is the first electric sports aircraft.
(Image: Twitter/ Airbus)
An Airbus-backed air racing tournament unveiled an electric-powered sports aircraft, billed as the world’s first, as the European planemaker seeks to boost its green aerospace technology. Several companies, including US ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc, are working on electric-powered flying cars, amid increasing concerns about the environmental impact of fossil-fuel intensive air travel. Last month, Airbus rival Boeing announced a partnership with automaker Volkswagen’s sports car brand, Porsche, to develop a concept electric flying vehicle capable of transporting people in urban environments. Air Race E said the aircraft, called White Lightning and unveiled at the Dubai Air Show, will be manufactured by UK-based Condor Aviation.
The aircraft will use an electric motor that will carry it at flight speeds of around 482 kilometres (300 miles) per hour on a tight 5 kilometre (about 3 miles) circuit, just 10 meters above the ground. “The racing series will provide a testbed for innovation and accelerate the journey towards electric commercial travel,” Air Race E Chief Executive Jeff Walkman said. Lithium batteries installed under the fuselage of the plane will provide power for five minutes of high-intensity racing and around 10 minutes of reserve flying at reduced power, the firm said.
Sourse: www.news18.com
