eGenius Sets Distance Record

June 30, 2011 — The Airbus-sponsored electric airplane called the eGenius set a record for distance flown by an electric aircraft over a two-hour time period earlier this month. After making its maiden flight nearly three weeks prior on May 25, the aircraft covered a distance of 211 miles averaging 100 mph at 4,000 feet. The two-seat, side-by-side aircraft is powered by a 60-kW electric propulsion system and a battery capacity of 56 kWh.

The aircraft, designed by the Institute of Aircraft Design at the University of Stuttgart, has a maximum takeoff weight of 850 kilograms and a wingspan a little more than 55 feet. eGenius claims about a 250-mile range and a 146-mph cruise speed.

---------------------------