A Colorado-based company says it’s edging closer to the first flight of an all-electric Cessna 172.
As we reported back in July, Bye Energy, Inc., an integrator of clean, alternative energy technologies for business and General Aviation aircraft, is collaborating with Cessna to design and develop an electric propulsion system for a Cessna C172 Skyhawk proof-of-concept (POC) aircraft.
While the company originally slated the first flight of its electrified Cessna 172N, modified with 318kg Lithium batteries and an electric motor, to take place before the end of this year, it now says its confidently aiming a first flight in the first quarter of 2011.
Flight Global reports that, in addition to mounting its first test motor, Bye Energy CEO
George Bye says in mid-November he will reveal a major partner who is working with Bye Energy to develop electronic displays that will replace the piston-powered single’s engine gauges with energy management information.
CAPTION: A graphic of what Bye Energy's electric C172, with solar cells atop the wings, might look like. (Bye Energy)
Bye Energy’s electric C172 project is expected to lead to a supplemental type certificate for a two-seat version (with the batters in place of rear seats) of the 172 in 12-18 months and a four-seat version in two to three years, says Bye Energy Chief Operating Officer Charlie Johnson, a former President of Cessna. The company is targeting a two-hour endurance for the aircraft, making it suitable for the training market.
Bye says ground recharging stations will be able to provide enough energy for a 60-minute flight in just 15 minutes. The aircraft will also have an option for solar cells on the tops of its wings, which is planned to offer a full recharge with four days of sunlight. Batteries are being designed to last five to seven years at flight school utilisation rates, he adds.
Converting pre-existing C172s with the electric motor is expected to be around US$50,000 – which is around the same cost as a 160hp piston engine replacement for the aircraft.
While this project does sound exciting and clearly has potential, time will tell how much of Bye Energy’s current optimism rings true as work progresses. And it is still very much debatable whether the C172 is the best platform for this project anyway.
CAPTION: Would the C162 Skycatcher have been a more appropriate platform for a retrofitted electric Cessna?
To read our earlier reporting on Bye Energy’s electric C172 project click here.