Flynano Flies Electrically, Close to a Calm Lake

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

Flynano is a Finnish aircraft design and manufacturing team, working since 2011 to achieve a first electrified flight of their appropriately named craft. First, the 70 kilogram empty weight is notable.  It includes battery weight, but only for 1.7 kilowatt-hour power source that allows a 15-minute dash across the surface of a fairly calm lake.  Its up to 100 kilogram (220 pound) pilot is snugly fitted within its 3.8 meter (12.47 feet) length, and carried aloft on a pair of joined wings a mere 4.8 meters (15.75 feet) in span. Most videos show the craft flying in or very near ground effect, and the company seems to think customers will be happier zooming around just above the water.  In response to the “frequently asked question,” they respond, “For some reason this is the most frequently asked question. Even if technically FlyNanos could be flown up to around 5 000 meters (16 000 feet), the use case for the FlyNanos is …

FlyNano Flight Testing Teased

Dean Sigler Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

From the frozen north of Finland comes the news that FlyNano has flown its electric prototype.  Originally planned to have both two-stroke and electric powerplants, the five-meter span joined-wing flying boat is now only electric, its makers citing the strides made in development of motors and batteries in the last several years for their decision. Designed to stay under 70 kilograms (154 pounds) empty weight, FlyNano has a maximum takeoff weight of 200 kilograms (440 pounds).  Its small size and light weight make it possible to fly, based on the video, but with no specifications for motor, controller and battery. A company press release gives a “speed range of 70 – 140 kilometers per hour (43-87 mph) with a service ceiling of 3 kilometers (9,820 feet).  FlyNano’s true airspeed is about 140 km/h at 75% power with a theoretical operational distance of 70 km (43 miles).”  The statement of “true airspeed” causes one to wonder at what altitude this speed …