Larger, Four-Place Variant Reportedly In The Works

The RX1E-A electric airplane developed by the Shenyang Aerospace University has reportedly gotten a range boost from about 45 minutes to two hours, according to media reports.

The electric airplane, similar to the Pipistrel Alpha Electro trainer, was first unveiled in 2015 as the RX1E. This latest variant first flew in November of last year. At that time, it was announced that a four-place version is in development.

The airplane has a cruise speed of 86 knots and a MTOW of 1,322 pounds. The service ceiling of the airplane is reported to be 9,850 feet, according to cleantechnica.com. The price is the equivalent of about $145,000.

Zou Haining, deputy head of Liaoning General Aviation Academy said that he hopes the airplane can find some acceptance in the U.S. and European training markets. The RX1E-A will cost an estimated $1.45 per hour to operate, according to one of the designers of the airplane. Other potential markets are tourism, media and short-range transportation.

Haining said that he believes there is a large demand for a four-place electric airplane, and that his organization intends to continue to improve the performance of electric aircraft.

(Image from Chinese media)

 FMI: Original Report