Electric powered BH ultralight

[joeo]

http://www.rotexelectric.eu/portfoli...portfolio-big/

[Cguy]

I have a large renewable energy system, grid tied, and have not payed a power bill other then the monthly hookup fee (5 bucks) in 13 years. On an annual basis I produce 130% of my needs, so I always run a surplus. Before that I was off grid for 28 years. I'm also a former hang glider and ultralight pilot, and have a 9K ridge ridge right behind my house that faces the prevailing summer winds. I should be the poster child for a eplane. I will stick with my Rotax for the forseeable future, especially with premium mogas at $2.49 a gallon like right now. There is nothing like good old gasoline for energy density. While there are several e birds out there right now that would enable me to launch and then ridge soar to my hearts content, I've been there and done that, polishing a ridge gets old, I much prefer actually going somewhere, without the constraints of having to stay in the lift band. I like my 8 hour duration (with reserves) I have in my Rotax powered Rans S-7. BUT, as soon as gas hits, say 6 to 10 bucks per gallon, it'll be game on for a eplane, but we are not quite there yet. I also have 3 ebikes and am quite conversant with current battery tech, and amazing as it is, for an aircraft it's still pretty limited other then for local flying, real local.

I also drive a plug in Prius, and I'd have to say that a hybrid airplane would be practical way before a pure electric one. As far as using a windmilling prop to regen power? That's a joke, not if you want to stay up anyway, way too much drag, but yeah, in a hybrid, in a long descent, it'd be great. I love driving down the 1200' vertical grade I live on, in the Prius, gaining 3-5 miles in the process and not touching the brakes. I'd love to have the drive train of the Prius in my plane, but that also isn't quite here yet.

[Chewie]

This's from a local buddy of mine in a silent 2 electro. Who says electric limits you to ridge flying?

https://youtu.be/dkRXNm1XG_E

[Bacon]

Anyone have an update on this build?

[spinningwrench]

Hah, its on my to do list. I have spent my career in the controls area and probably would be willing to help on this.