Pipistrel Earns First Electric Aircraft Type Certificate

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Pipistrel Earns First Electric Aircraft Type Certificate
Kate O'Connor June 10, 202020

Image: Pipistrel

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the first-ever fully electric
aircraft to receive its type certification on Wednesday. According to
the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which granted the
certificate, the certification process for the aircraft was completed
in less than three years. The Pipistrel E-811 engine used on the
aircraft became the first EASA-certified electric aircraft engine on
May 18, 2020.

“The type certification of the Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first
step towards the commercial use of electric aircraft, which is needed
to make emission-free aviation feasible,” said Pipistrel Aircraft
founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol. “It confirms and provides optimism, also
to other electric aircraft designers, that the Type Certificate of
electric engines and aeroplanes is possible.”

Designed primarily as a trainer, the two-seat Velis Electro has a
cruise speed of 90 knots, 600-kg (1320-lb.) maximum takeoff weight,
172-kg (378-lb.) payload and endurance of up to 50 minutes plus VFR
reserve. It is a fully electric derivative of Pipistrel’s Virus SW
121. Slovenia-based Pipistrel says it has plans to deliver 31 Velis
Electros in 2020.

https://youtu.be/GC7ydEpVNfA
Video: Pipistrel