Alisport Srl of Italy recently completed the first flight of a Silent 2 fitted with an electric propulsion system installed in collaboration with LZ Design. The system, based on the FES (Front Electric Sustainer), is capable of self-launching the Silent. Video footage posted on the Vimeo website shows the Silent 2 lifting off on its maiden flight.
Alisport has a history of working with electric-propulsion suppliers and this latest system is in fact the second electric self-launch system to be integrated into a Silent. Readers may be familiar with the Silent AE-1, an electric self-launcher developed in collaboration with AirEnergy and type certificated in Germany in 1998. The AE-1 with its pylon-mounted folding propeller was put into series production in 1999, making it the world’s first production electric aircraft [SC Editor’s Note: the Antares 20E first flew in 2003].
At this time, flight testing of the Silent 2 with nose-mounted electric motor and folding propeller is ongoing and data are being compiled. Alisport confirms they will be in attendance with this new electric-powered Silent 2 at the upcoming AERO convention in Friedrichshafen (Germany) from April 13th to 16th.
Silent 2 with unfolded prop
Silent 2 with Nose-Mounted Folded Prop
Silent 2 ready for takeoff
Silent 2 in flight
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Waaay Cool, Finally , a nose mounted electic system. They have had these on RC gliders for years. But I gusess with limited battery duration and extreme battery weight it took a while to develop. My son's RC had the folding prop , similar to the folding prop on powered sailboats.
I think this would make the Diana-2 an ideal candidate for FES since it is extremely light. What a combo that would be. I think this FES is a great concept. Next, manufacturers should make the prop fold flush within the fuselage contour when not in use, similar to bug wipers n the DGs.
Any performance specs on it yet?
Hi Dan, the preliminary numbers are:
Motor Power: 25 kW
Motor Weight: 9.5 kg (21 lbs)
Propeller Speed: 4,600 rev/min
Propeller Dia.: 1.0 m (39.4 in)
Weight of Batteries: 31 kg (68 lbs)
Battery Capacity: 4.3 kWh
Std. Charging Time (at 220V): ~150 minutes
Take-off Distance (pavement): 140 m (460 ft)
Take-off Distance (grass): 160 m (525 ft)
Rate of Climb: ~2.0 m/sec (~400 fpm)
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