The EADS all-electric Cri-Cri made its official maiden flight on 2 September at Paris Le Bourget airport.
The four-engined aerobatic aircraft - jointly developed by EADS Innovation Works, Aero Composites Saintonge and the Green Cri-Cri Association - flew for 7min without a hiccup. "Take-off and climb were smooth, no vibrations could be felt, manoeuvrability was excellent and all systems performed well," says EADS, adding that the aircraft will begin aerobatic manoeuvres after 5h of flight and 15 landings.
The single-seat Cri-Cri - based on the Colomban Cri-Cri homebuilt aircraft - uses composites to reduce weight and compensate for the extra mass of the lithium batteries.
It is powered by four brushless electric motors driving counter-rotating propellers. EADS says the Cri-Cri emits no carbon dioxide, will be able to cruise for 30min at 60kt (110km/h), perform 15min of aerobatics at speeds up to 135kt and climb at 980ft/mom (5.3m/s).
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Source: Flight International
