The Sunseeker Duo is a twin seat all-electric solar-recharged powered aircraft. Designed by Eric Scott Raymond, the plane can take off and achieve enough height for the motor to be switched off and follow thermals like a glider (sailplane), allowing the batteries to be recharged through the solar cells on the wings.[1] Still in testing phase, the company, Solar Flight, does not provide information on the range.
| Sunseeker Duo | |
|---|---|
| Role | Electric Aircraft |
| National origin | Italy |
| Designer | Eric Scott Raymond |
| First flight | 17 December 2013 |
| Number built | 1 |
Development
editThe Sunseeker Duo is a high aspect ratio side-by-side seat composite construction high-wing aircraft with a T-tail arrangement with a single electric motor mounted in the tailfin (vertical stabilizer) driving a forward mounted propeller. The first all-solar power generated flight was performed near Milan, Italy with company owners Eric Scott Raymond and Irena Raymond. 1510 solar cells capable of generating up to 5 kilowatts power the motor and battery pack.[2][3]
Specifications (Sunseeker Duo)
editData from Sport Aviation
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Wingspan: 22 m (72 ft)
- Empty weight: 280 kg (617 lb)
Performance – varies with solar conditions – designed for 12 hrs
- Service ceiling: 3,700 m (12,000 ft)
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "FLIGHT LOG". Solar Flight. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
- ^ du Bessé, Alessandro (June 12, 2019). "Solar Flight: Building Innovative Solar Powered Aircraft". IMPAKTER. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
- ^ "Sun Powers First Two-Place Electric Aircraft". Sport Aviation: 14. July 2014.