IT’S TAKING OFF

Amazing developments are being carried out in the world of electric aviation.

Rolls-royce plc’s Spirit of Innovation, which has a 400kw electric propulsion system, recently set a speed record of 345.4mph over a 3km course, reaching a 387.4mph peak.

And the world’s first manned electric aircraft race series will begin this year. Called Air Race E, it will feature teams from all over the world racing singleseaters very similar in design to Formula 1 racing aircraft from the late 1950s and 1960s.

Without doubt some valuable lessons will be learned for electric recreational aircraft.