The Sun Flyer, an all-electric, two seat, proof of concept aircraft, made its static debut today at Centennial Airport.
The Sun Flyer is anticipated to be the first FAA certified, all electric, U.S. sponsored aircraft to take to the skies. Weighing just 1,654 pounds, this training aircraft was developed at Centennial Airport in Centennial.
Aero Electric Aircraft Corporation, led by CEO George Bye, plans to integrate solar cells on the wings of the plane, along with an 100 kw (135 hp) electric motor, and lithium-ion battery packs.
One major difference between the Sun Flyer and traditional motor driven aircraft is the reduction in the noise the plane emits.
According to Bye, “the aircraft radiates roughly 1/1000th the noise of conventional aircraft. The replacement of conventional aircraft with quiet electric aircraft should result in a more than 40-fold reduction in the number of community residents highly annoyed by noise.”
Bye says that the cost of flying should be significantly reduced, easing some of the financial struggle for those learning how to fly. According to Aero Electric, the hourly operating cost would be around $1 to fly the electric plane.
To learn more about the aircraft, visit www.sunflyer.com.
