Ultralight Motor Glider Could Carry Up To Thee Optional Electric Motors

The EMG-6 ultralight glider has made its first short test flights with designer Brian Carpenter at the controls. The aircraft, under development by Rainbow Aviation Company, is designed as an ultralight motor glider that could be outfitted with as many as three electric motors.

A blog post from the CAFE Foundation notes that the aircraft could carry a pilot, a ballistic parachute system, and a power pack for one motor and still remain in the ultralight motor glider category. The aircraft could be self-launched and reach a soaring altitude, depending on the weight of the pilot. For heavier pilots or payloads, the aircraft would need the motor as a sustainer, and another aircraft to tow it to seek out thermals for soaring.

The company currently favors the Plettenberg Predator motor and a Shulze 400-amp motor controller for their light weight and power potential, according to the CAFE Foundation. Other, more substantial but more expensive motors could also be accommodated. Carpenter is reportedly designing controllable-pitch props for the EMG-6 to improve climb and cruise performance.

Additional flight tests are planned later this year.

(Image from EMG-6 test flight YouTube video)

FMI: http://electricmotorglider.com