On 20 September a modified with electrically powered propellers made its first test flight at Tibbenham airfield in the UK. With all the propellers running the EA9 is capable of sustained level flight after being towed to about 2,500ft (760m). Modified by Queen Mary, University of London master of engineering students, it had added eight underwing pylons that carried 16 Graupner lithium polymer battery-powered wireless link activated electric motors that drove 16 280mm diameter propellers. The aircraft was flight tested three times from 20-21 September. Given a permit to fly by the British Gliding Association and prepared for flight by Stu Hoy of Anglia Sailplanes, further development work is planned if a sponsor can be found.
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© G Dorrington |
Source: Flight International
