As the world of electric vehicles is trying its best to make the planet greener, the aviation field doesn’t want to stay behind. That’s why different companies associated with this segment are trying hard to make their airplanes more eco-friendly. The recent news from the UK sets high hopes as Cranfield University has developed an electric British aircraft which recently made its first flight.
What Is The Plane’s Name?
The plane has been dubbed Sherwood eKub, a strange name, but it goes well with the innovative technology offered by the aircraft.
How Long Was The First Flight?
The first flight took place from an airfield located in Little Snoring, Norfolk. This first session lasted for just 10 minutes. However, soon afterwards another flight was also launched which continued for 22 minutes.
This is the first-ever British built electric aircraft. This makes it special not just for the aficionados of the electric plane segment but also for the British nation as a whole.
Who Flew The Plane?
Dr Guy Gratton who is the Associate Professor for Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University flew the plane for both flights.
How Did He Feel About The Flight?
After the flight, Gratton expressed his feelings about the experience. He said that the overall flight was according to the predictions and the ground tests. This means that the project can be deemed 100% successful.
He further stated that the plane offers a groundbreaking way of flying. The learning curve is pretty steep at the moment because of the entirely new experience provided by the all-electric plane.
Dr Guy also stated that the aircraft has offered him an experience unlike any other.
His portfolio as a test pilot, aeronautical engineer as well as a researcher made him the perfect choice for this project.
The project exemplifies the tremendous support of financiers, authorities, and colleagues. The entire team has played a critical role in making the dream of flying with electric power a reality.
Which Company Has Built The eKub?
The Light Aircraft Company built the eKub, Britain’s first all-electric plane. Aside from that, The Little Snoring site is also owned by this company, making it a critical component of the project’s success.
Design Of The eKub
The design of the plane is quite simple. Rather it reminds us of old-school aircraft and from the looks of it, doesn’t look like a modern state of the art aircraft.
The fuselage has been painted white and the G-EKUB as the British flag on the side of the body shows its allegiance to the UK.
The blade at the front is powered by the motor and the cabin can seat a single person.
What Do Experts Say About This?
The Managing Director of The Light Aircraft Company stated that the project is a milestone for the world of electric planes.
He further expressed his delight by calling his technology the most cutting edge in the field of electric power planes, at least for now.
Dr Thomas Delaney, a Cranfield Research fellow and project electric engineer, stated that the work done in the background of this flight is the actual reason why the eKub’s first flight was such a huge success.
Why Is It Important For The Environment?
The aeroplane uses electric power and thus does not need an ICE engine which eliminates any sort of emissions.
Thus, the plane is vital not only in itself but also for the electric plane segment as it has opened up new avenues which will now be followed by others as well.
Why Is It Called Environmentally Efficient Aircraft?
The electric eKub is called an environmentally efficient aircraft because it has no harmful impact on the planet.
This makes it not just sustainable but also the technology of the future through which we’ll be able to reduce emissions associated with the aviation industry.
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