Electric sports plane the highlight of the e-flight initiative

“By developing a viable electric motor and controller system for this proof-of-concept aircraft, we will open a door to future flight that we have only been able to dream of,” comments Monnett. “Self-launching electric powered gliders already exist. The potential of electric power goes beyond that single use and relates directly to sport flying, aerobatics and high altitude flight in purpose-built airframes. It is essential that our proof-of-concept vehicle is a conventional aircraft that the majority of aviation enthusiasts can relate to.”

One remarkable reality about the E-Flight electric aircraft project is that, by necessity, the entire R&D project for the proof-of-concept stage of the project will cost less than the price of the average ready-to-fly LSA aircraft available today. This project undeniably highlights the spirit of EAA in that it is truly a grass-roots effort to push technology for advancement of the sport and improvement of the planet’s ecosystem and it has been accomplished, not by a large aerospace firm or government agency, but by EAA members on an extraordinarily cost-effective budget.

Ethanol Fuel:

Ethanol Blended Fuels have become increasingly popular as most auto makers are now producing “Flex Fuel” cars and trucks. This has led to higher supplies of ethanol in the United States making this fuel easier to find at a rapidly expanding number of locations.

Sonex Aircraft has begun its own scientific testing to optimize the AeroConversions AeroVee 2.0 for the use of ethanol-based fuels to take advantage of the lower emissions, affordable cost, and greater horsepower. As part of the testing, Sonex Aircraft has partnered with Renew Fuel Stations, an Oshkosh-based company that markets and distributes ethanol-blended vehicle fuel such as E85 - a blend of up to 85% ethanol with 15% gasoline. Renew currently operates 11 fueling stations across Wisconsin that feature renewable-based fuels for all gasoline engines and is an industry leader in the expanding retail market for these fuels.

The AeroVee 2.0 is equipped with the versatile AeroCarb and an ignition system that allows the engine to be configured with higher compression ratios to optimize the performance potential of ethanol-based fuels. Testing has already begun with an AeroVee engine run at a higher compression ratio for E85 and other blends. This testing will be expanding as the Sonex research and development team explores a range of engine and fuel variables to determine the optimum combination to both maximize fuel economy and power output.

Efficiency Enhancement:

The Efficiency Enhancement component of the E-Flight Initiative represents the continuation of the Sonex and AeroConversions commitment to providing the Best Performance Per Dollar to the Sport Pilot. As fuel prices increase, performance and efficiency are becoming more critical in allowing average-income pilots to continue to afford flying. Driven by the E-Flight Initiative, consumers will see a new generation of exciting AeroConversions products targeted at optimizing performance and efficiency in a wide range of aircraft.