The "world's first all-electric commuter aircraft," named Alice, made aviation history by taking off overnight. The manufacturer, Eviation Aircraft, describes the occasion as a significant step toward zero-emissions medium-range air travel, as reported first by Interesting Engineering.
At 7:10 a.m., Alice took off from Grant County International Airport and flew for eight minutes before landing at the height of 3,500 feet (1,067 m).
The "trailblazing" flight gave Eviation crucial information that would help them better optimize the plane for mass production in the future.
MOSES LAKE, WA - SEPTEMBER 27: Eviation's "Alice", the world's first all-electric commuter airplane, takes off for its first flight at 7:10 am on September 27, 2022 in Moses Lake, Washington. Piloted by Eviation's Chief Test Pilot Steve Crane, the flight lasted 8 minutes taking the aircraft to an altitude of 3500 ft.
Next Era of Aviation
"Today we embark on the next era of aviation - we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice," Eviation President and CEO Gregory Davis stated in a company press release.
"People now know what affordable, clean, and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead to innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future."
The two motors, powered by 8,000 pounds of batteries, drove two propellers using two electric motors at the airplane's tail. The aircraft's highest speed during its brief flight was approximately 171 miles per hour.
The successful flight test took place after the company had just completed a high-speed ground test on September 18.
Alice greatly reduces noise compared to light jets or high-end turboprops and operates at a lower cost each trip, according to Eviation.
Interesting Engineering noted that Alice is a turning point for a specific area of aviation that concentrates on moving small groups of people across short distances. The aircraft can carry at least 9 passengers.
The all-electric planes' creators claim that both businesses and consumers would benefit from more affordable and ecologically responsible regional travel.
Eviation said that by allowing access to airports that are currently closed to commercial flights because of noise concerns or limited operation hours, this new breed of aircraft could transform communities.
Eviation Alice will operate flights between 150 to 250 miles, with a focus on the commuter and cargo segments.
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When Can We Expect Alice's First Deliveries?
However, it is worth noting that Alice is not a fully approved production aircraft; it is simply an experimentally registered prototype.
Eviation must put the commuter plane through a rigorous flight test process, obtain Part 23 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, and transfer it to its clients like DHL or Cape Air. Davis claims that the business anticipates starting its first deliveries in 2027.
According to The Seattle Times, Alice might become the first all-electric commercial aircraft if the FAA approves it for passenger transport.
Eviation is also waiting for more battery technology developments for the aircraft's commercial production. It is currently running on 21,500 tiny Tesla-style battery cells, as per Interesting Engineering.
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
