{"id":5545,"date":"2012-04-17T21:00:27","date_gmt":"2012-04-18T04:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/?p=5545"},"modified":"2012-04-20T11:30:10","modified_gmt":"2012-04-20T18:30:10","slug":"friedrichshafen-becomes-elektra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/friedrichshafen-becomes-elektra\/","title":{"rendered":"Friedrichshafen Becomes Elektra"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Birgit Wei\u00dfenbach, who heads up marketing for PC-Aero, the German firm that produces light electric and solar-powered aircraft, sends two pictures from the company\u2019s display at Aero Expo, now taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany.<\/p>\n

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Elektra One Solar shows more span, solar cells than Elektra One. Photo: PC-Aero\/Neowings<\/p><\/div>\n

The display is overflown by a 1\/5-scale model of Elektra Two, their anticipated two-seat electric airplane with solar cells, a design intended for travel, training and flying clubs. Another model, the Elektra Observer LT, represents their unmanned \u201cVery Light Electric Aircraft\u201d with solar cells to allow long-duration civil surveillance.<\/p>\n

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Elektra Observer LT civilly surveys people carriers below. Photo courtesy PC-Aero\/Neowings<\/p><\/div>\n

On the floor, Elektra One has its full complement of Solar World solar cells, which supplement its battery power.\u00a0 Elektra One Solar has longer wings and a larger solar cell area, both extending its range.\u00a0 Both use the Flytec HP-13.5 motor and controller, associated battery pack, and claim up to three hours endurance and 400 kilometers (250 miles) range.<\/p>\n

Dipl. Ing. Calin Gologan, founder and President of PC-Aero, will hold a press conference April 18 and this blog will report on revelations of interest.<\/p>\n

April 20 Update<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Dr. Wei\u00dfenbach informs the blog that the short-winged (8.7 meters – 28.5 feet) original version of Elektra One can travel 250 miles on a single charge, thanks to solar augmentation. \u00a0The long-winged (11 meters – 36 feet) Elektra One Solar can manage 600 miles on a charge, well exceeding most light aircraft.<\/p>\n