An AG60E electric aircraft for technology verification, independently developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC), recently completed its maiden flight at Jiande Qiandaohu Airport in East China's Zhejiang Province.
An AG60E electric aircraft for technology verification, independently developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC), completes its maiden flight at Jiande Qiandaohu Airport in East China's Zhejiang Province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
With a length of 6.9 meters and height of 2.6 meters, the aircraft has 8.6-meter-long wings, a maximum take-off weight of 600 kilograms, a maximum level speed of 220 kilometers per hour and a maximum navigation speed of 185 kilometers per hour.
Relying on the typical mature general aviation equipment platform, AVIC carried out electrification renovation and verified the key technologies of the electric aircraft.
The renovated type has the same output rating with the original and better performances in all fields except operation range and endurance.
The AG60E aircraft project is consistent with low-altitude economic and green policies and low-carbon development and plays a role in improving energy conservation, emission reduction, and noise reduction in all aircraft and in promoting green aviation manufacturing.
Compared with the original type, the electric aircraft has a shorter climbing time and a quieter engine. What's more, it is more environmentally-friendly and comfortable and has simple structure, making it easy to maintain.
As a light sports aircraft, the AG60E has strong adaptation to different airport conditions and can take off and land on either grass or hard ground, which means it can be widely used in pilot training as well as private flights including competitions and entertainment events.
The successful maiden flight of the AG60E electric aircraft gathered experience for electric aircraft development and electrified renovation of fix-wing aircraft in service. It is expected to push forward emerging strategic industries and promote economic development of the low-altitude industry.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
