Slovenian aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel is set to debut a two-seat electric training aeroplane in France this weekend.
Powered by a 85 kW electric motor, a proof of concept of the WATTsUP is expected to be unveiled at the Salon de Blois air show, after making its maiden flight on 22 August.
"With the ever-growing cost of fuel it is time to rethink pilot training," said Ivo Boscarol, CEO of Pipistrel.
"Our solution is the first practical all-electric trainer! Technologies developed specially for this aircraft cut the cost of ab-initio pilot training by as much as 70%, making flying more affordable than ever before. Being able to conduct training on smaller airfields closer to towns with zero C02 emissions and minimum noise is also a game changer!"
WATTsUP meets microlight and ASTM LSA criteria, as well as standards for electric propulsion and is already certified in France. More countries are expected to follow, and Pipistrel will apply for an exemption with the FAA to allow training operations as an S-LSA.
The aircraft was developed in conjunction with Siemens, and has an endurance of one hour plus a 30-minute reserve.
Customer deliveries are scheduled to start next year, with the aeroplane selling at below EUR 100,000.