French Electric Helicopter Has Very Public Outing

Dean Sigler Batteries, Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

The Volta is a French electric helicopter, and has been setting endurance records with almost every flight, it seems.  From its first hovering on February 17, 2016, and a first “official” three-minute flight on October 19, Volta has risen to new heights and set new “bests” for itself. Volta is based on Microcopter MC1, a one-of-a-kind model designed in 2004. Propelled by a Subaru engine “that was never successfully regulated,” the MC1 was an ultralight helicopter of conventional design that caused Philippe Antoine to see its possibilities as an electric machine.  Incidentally, you may still be able to get plans for the MC1 from Redback Aviation. Antoine replaced the fossil-fuel power train with an electric one, including an Enstroj motor.  Interestingly, Aquinea, a swimming pool heating vendor, sponsors the effort and ENAC, the Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (The National School of Civil Aviation) provides technical support.  He has transformed this unassuming-looking copter to cleaner operation, noting the following advantages for …