Pipistrel WATTsUP
| WATTsUP | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight civil utility aircraft |
| National origin | Slovenia |
| Manufacturer | Pipistrel |
| First flight | 12 August 2014[1] |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Pipistrel Sinus and Pipistrel Virus |
The Pipistrel WATTsUP is an electric aircraft proof-of-concept design manufactured in Slovenia by Pipistrel. It is designed for training purposes.[2]
The aircraft is based upon the Pipistrel Sinus and Virus and was first publicly shown at the Salon de Bloi airshow, in France on 30 August 2014.[2]
Design and development
The WATTsUP is a high-wing, cantilever monoplane of pod-and-boom configuration with a T-tail. The cabin has two seats in side-by-side configuration. The WATTsUP is powered by an 85 kW (114.0 hp) electric motor developed by Siemens AG, that weighs just 14 kg (31 lb). The initial climb rate is over 5.1 m/s (1,000 ft/min).[2][3]
The manufacturer claims the electric motor produces more power than a Rotax 912 and can be fully charged in about one hour. The airplane is expected to be capable of flying for about one hour with a 30-minute reserve and it is most efficient in the traffic pattern where as much as 13 percent of the energy is recuperated during each approach.[2][4]
The initial base price is intended to be less than 100,000 Euros.[2]
Specifications
Data from AVweb[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Powerplant: 1 × Siemens AG electric motor, 85 kW (114 hp)
Performance
- Endurance: 1.5 hrs
- Rate of climb: 5.1 m/s (1,000 ft/min)
References
- ^ "WATTsUP, the new 2-seat electric trainer took its maiden flight - 12. 8. 2014". Pipistrel. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f Niles, Russ (24 August 2014). "Pipistrel Flies WATTsUP Electric Trainer". AVweb. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
- ^ Horne, Thomas (27 August 2014). "Pipistrel introduces electric trainer". AOPA. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
- ^ Bergqvist, Pia (26 August 2014). "New Electric Trainer from Pipistrel Takes Flight". FLYING. Retrieved August 29, 2014.