Improved electric aircraft completes first flight

A new energy electric aircraft, with the longest range for this type of aircraft produced in China, safely landed at Caihu Airport in Shenyang on Nov 1, laying a solid foundation for China's new energy aircraft market.

The Ruixiang RX1E－A type aircraft is propelled by six sets of lithium batteries with a charging time of 2.5 hours. It will be able to operate for 2 hours at a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters.

The aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight of 600 kilograms, can carry two passengers at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

As the aircraft is quiet, produces no emissions, has low operating costs, and is easy to maintain, it will be widely used for pilot training, transportation, tourism, aerial photography and mapping.

Developed by Liaoning General Aviation Academy, the RX1E－A type aircraft is an upgraded version based on China's first new energy aircraft, which could only stay airborne for 45 minutes, according to Zou Haining, vice-president of Liaoning General Aviation Academy in an interview on Nov 1.

As of October, the old version has successfully conducted 1,950 flights with a total flying time of 1,300 hours. It has also received 128 orders from domestic customers.

Zou also revealed that the new aircraft is capable of flying for up to 2 hours and meets the requirements of the Europe Union for electric light aircraft. It is expected that the new aircraft will gradually enter the international market.

Compared with the old version, the new aircraft features several safety improvements with the installation of a parachute, which will help protect pilots.

The Ruixiang RX1E－A type electric aircraft makes its first flight at Caihu Airport on Nov 1. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A pilot operates the Ruixiang RX1E－A type electric aircraft at Caihu Airport on Nov 1. [Photo/Chinanews.com]