In Other Words ... Buy A Garage, Get A Plane

By Gene Yarbrough

PC Aero, a German design and engineering company, announced the introduction of the Elektra One at their exhibit Tuesday. The aircraft is intended as a technology demonstrator to show what a purpose built electric aircraft can accomplish.

The intent of the project is to demonstrate the flight capabilities of a single place aircraft made from high performance composites and electric motor and control technologies. The aircraft is an all composite airframe with a winspan intended for slow cruising or ridge soaring and thermaling flight. Calin Gologan, CEO of PC Aero and developer of the Elektra One, said the aircraft was not intended as a sailplane but needed a wing appropriately long enough to cruise well. The airframe is covered with photovoltaic solar panels provided by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, Oregon. The cells produce about 7 watts each according to SolarWorld representatives and will provide enough power to extend the aircrafts range by approximately 50% compared to the onboard batteries alone.

The aircraft is not slated to go into serial production anytime soon but will serve as a test bed for the motor and battery technology. Gologan indicated that as the technology matures and customer demand is determined the company will offer a product that meets those expectations.

In addition to the aircraft the company also offers a hangar option. The hangar concept is to house the aircraft while an array of rooftop mounted Solarworld Solar panels recharges the batteries. The hangar also appears to offer living space judging by the models displayed.

FMI: www.pc-aero.de, www.solarworld-usa.com