ElectricAir pilot and instructor Andrew Vialoux brought New Zealand's only electric aircraft in to land at Palmerston North Airport.
A tiny two-seater aircraft parked up on the tarmac at Palmerston North Airport has offered a glimpse of an aviation future without fumes and noise.
The ElectricAir Pipistrel Alpha Electro called “Rerengo Hiko”, which two weeks ago flew across Cook Strait, is skipping its way north after most recently offering demonstrations at Kāpiti.The only electric aircraft in New Zealand is being used to showcase the fact the technology exists, at least in miniature, to develop airline fleets that will operate with electricity as their only source of power.
Pilot and flight instructor Andrew Vialoux said it would take time to move from one showpiece to a national fleet, but the technology was now proven, and the pace would pick up.
Blenheim-based Sounds Air has placed orders with Swedish company Heart Aerospace for at least three 19-seater aircraft, set for take-off by 2026, with a goal of converting to an all-electric fleet.
They would focus on the short flights between Nelson, Blenheim and Wellington.
The Pipstrel is a carbon-fibre craft that weighs in at 384 kilograms complete with two batteries. With a maximum take-off capacity of 560kg, that leaves about 176kg for the pilot and passenger.
It can be charged within an hour, currently with its own bespoke charger that has to follow it to the next airport separately, and is then good for a one-hour flight, with up to 30 minutes in reserve.
It travels at a speed of about 150kmh. Stuff - link - Janine Rankin - link - more like this - link
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