The Electric Aircraft Corporation ElectraFlyer Trike is an ultralight trike fitted with an electric motor, instead of a traditional gasoline engine.[1]
| ElectraFlyer | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Electric Aircraft Corporation |
| Designer | Randall Fishman |
| First flight | April, 2007 |
| Produced | 2007–Present |
Design and development
editThe Electraflyer Trike is built to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations, part 103. The standard ElectraFlyer is equipped with a 5.6—kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery which powers an 19 hp (14 kW) Electric Aircraft Corporation Electra 1 electric motor — which can be optionally upgraded to a 40 hp (30 kW) motor. Depending on the number of battery packs mounted, the aircraft can fly for between one and two hours before it must be recharged for 5–6 hours using a standard 120 volt AC outlet. Charging time can be reduced to 2 hours using a 240 volt outlet.[1]
Mounting a Stratus-model hang glider style wing, the total aircraft weight is less than 249 lb (113 kg), depending on the options selected for engine, batteries, and other accessories such as a ballistic parachute.[1]
It was awarded the Grand Champion Ultralight at the 2007 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In.
References
edit- Wilcox, Sharon (July 2007), "The ElectraFlyer goes green", Light Sport and Ultralight Flying
- Grady, Mary (June 1, 2007), "Avgas? Who Needs It? Trike Runs On Batteries", AVWeb
- "The ElectraFlyer trike", EAA Sport Pilot, pp. 24–45, September 2007
- "The ElectraFlyer, an electric-powered trike", EAA Sport Pilot, pp. 52–53, July 2007