Aircraft

FlyNano achieves first test flight

FlyNano achieves first test flight
The FlyNano prototype, at Finland's Lake Hepari
The FlyNano prototype, at Finland's Lake Hepari
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FlyNano has posted video of its electric microlight aircraft's first test flight
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FlyNano has posted video of its electric microlight aircraft's first test flight
The FlyNano prototype, at Finland's Lake Hepari
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The FlyNano prototype, at Finland's Lake Hepari

Last April, we told you about the FlyNano – a single-occupant petrol/electric microlight amphibious aircraft being developed by a Finnish aeronautical firm of the same name. At the time, some readers expressed skepticism, rightly pointing out that there was no video of the plane actually flying. That changed this week, however, as the company posted a video of one of the prototype’s first test flights.

The flight in the video reportedly took place this Monday at 8:09pm, at Finland’s Lake Hepari. There’s currently no information posted about how long the flight lasted or what altitude was reached – we’ve contacted FlyNano for details, and are still waiting for a response.

FlyNano has posted video of its electric microlight aircraft's first test flight
FlyNano has posted video of its electric microlight aircraft's first test flight

When we last reported on the aircraft, deliveries were expected to start around July of last year. The company has now moved that date up to the end of 2013, and has apparently already presold 35 planes – they are priced at approximately €27,000 (US$34,164).

Additionally, FlyNano has stated that thanks to advances in batteries and electric motors, the carbon fiber-bodied aircraft will now be primarily electric – originally, both combustion and electric models were planned.

The video can be viewed below.

Source: FlyNano via CAFE Foundation

40 comments
40 comments
Morgan Jones
Looks really cool and reasonably priced. Hopefully it will actually come to market. Is there any reason it's amphibious only? Seems like that significantly limits your options for takeoff and landing. I'd like to hear what kind of range and altitude they expect.
Roger W.
Well the VIDEO 'clip' (just a few seconds) does show that it can get airborne; but does little to demonstrate that it is a safe flying machine.
yrag
I've never seen so little in a video. What was it airborne for 20 seconds at a height of 20 feet?
Watch it again—it's ridiculous!
Wombat56
I'm not sure if having propeller backwash blowing into your face would be a good experience.
Slowburn
Is it truly amphibious operating off both land and water or just a flying boat?
S Michael
Vapor project. What are they afraid of... tell us the facts, if there are any.
Todd Dunning
Too cool - and I agree w/Morgan, why amphibious?
Gadgety
I love the idea of a 70kg aircraft not requiring a pilot's license, and within this price range. The 70 km range is way too limited.
Gadgety
Are there any lightweight sun cells to make a solar rechargable version thereby extending the range beyond 70kms?
Jonathan Jenkins
This craft is not "amphibious" - which means using land or water - it is a flying boat. No undercarriage saves weight, complexity, and maintenance - and therefore keeps the price down. I should think that if they sell well, then they would consider an amphibious version in the future. looks fun anyway!
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