Randall Fishman brought his ElectraFlyer ULS motorglider to EAA AirVenture last summer and made a follow-up visit to Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, earlier this month. In the time between, he has logged some 30 hours of flight time on the airplane, and many of the performance numbers have more real-world backdrop.
For example, he now reports a minimum sink rate of 236 feet per minute and a glide ratio of approximately 20:1. The ElectraFlyer can operate under power for as long as two hours with its largest battery pack (there are three available). Normal cruise speed is around 60 knots, according to the company website. Fishman reports flights as long as five hours that combine powered flight with soaring conditions.
It takes about six hours to recharge the large battery pack (Lithium-Polymer — LiPo batteries) with a standard 110-volt charger, and as little as two hours with an available 220-volt charger. Empty weight of the carbon fiber ElectraFlyer ULS is 245 pounds, making it eligible for the Part 103 ultralight category. It has flaperons and spoilers for what Fishman describes as excellent short landing capability, and disc brakes for even better control on the ground.
The ElectraFlyer sells for $59,000 and comes complete with no building necessary. Find out more at www.electraflyer.com.
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