The Rhyxeon RX4E has become the first passenger-carrying electric aircraft to be certified in China. After a five-year development program, the four-seat airplane will join flight lines across the country, and perhaps in other nations. Slated for use in less-developed countries, the craft could provide transport in Asia, Africa, and other areas lacking extensive road networks or facing challenging terrain. Flying magazing reports, “FLYING interviewed Volar CEO Henry Hooi in April in Abu Dhabi, one of several locations worldwide it aims to fly the zero-emission aircraft. Hooi said the company will initially target RX4E operations in Southeast Asia before expanding to Africa and the Middle East, honing in on regions with traditionally poor aviation access. Use cases for the design, he said, might include private aviation, island hopping, tourism, agriculture, aerial photography, and even medical evacuations.”
Having flown the battery-powered RX4E for at least the last five years, and even developing a hydrogen-powered version, the factory is turning to mass production (at least by aircraft standards) for this offering.
45-foot wings allow low span loading and efficient operation on 140-kilowatt (188-horsepower) motor. The RX4E has a maximum takeoff and landing weight of 1.200 kilograms (2,640 pounds) a payload of 350 kilograms (770 pounds), and will cruise at 200 kilometers per hour (about 124 mph). Its 100 kilowatt-hour battery allows a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), or about 90 minutes endurance. In more utilitarian mode, the RX4E can haul over 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and accomodate a stretcher or long loads when a few seats are removed. It can take off in 380 meters (1,247 feet) and land in 400 (1,312 feet), making it suitable for more private airports.
Cost in Australia
It will be sold at a projected cost of one million Australian dollars (about $620,000 US dollars) thttp://www.rxgac.com/home/images/shouye2.mp4hrough an early customer, FlyOnE (Fly On E). Founder and CEO Korum Ellis and Chief Technology Officer Joshua Portlock have created a multi-purpose organization serving training, tourism, and aircraft sales. Joshua has a thriving enterprise in charging stations for aircraft, marine craft, and recreational users. He is familiar to American readers through his appearances at Sustainable Aircraft symposiums and TED Talks.
An Electric Float Plane on Pontoons
The RX4E is not the first aircraft from Liaoning Ruixiang General Aviation Co Ltd in northeast China. As explained in our 2016 entry, the RX1E could be used for pilot training, sightseeing and aerial photography. With further development and the creation of a pontoon-based model, the craft can take advantage of the many natural landing zones spread across the vast country.
The RX1-ES’ 12 meter (39.37 feet) high aspect ration wings allow a glide ratio of 17.5 and, a cruise speed of 110 kilometers per hour (68.2 mph), and a range of 160 kilometers (100 miles) on a 50 kilowatt-hour battery. Its stall speed of 82 kilometers per hour (50 mph), allows short field and water operations, with a land takeoff distance of 235 meters (771 feet) and landing roll-out distance of 207 meters (679 feet).
RX1ES over yellow fields and canal symbolizes clean operation and adoptibility to water operations
Such nautical capabilities also enable the airplane to operate in developing countries where infrastructure might not be available to support more “sophisticated” operations. As such, the Liaoning products are finding a ready audience and may help spread green flight widely, but probably overseas.
Will America Catch Up?
With China intent on certifying several newcomers in electric aircraft, America has a lone example operating out of San Fernando, California. A Pipistrel Velis flies its lonely skies while we await more tolerant nods toward green flight. How the new administration will treat this futuristic, clean approach to aviation remains to be seen.