Tiny Electric Airplane Sets Speed Record

At last week's Paris Air Show, French pilot Hugues Duval set a world speed record for all-electric airplanes when his small Cristaline aircraft hit 175 mph, beating his previous record by 13 mph.

The tiny plane has a wing span of 16 feet and only weighs 200 pounds -- just big enough to fit its pilot. It's powered by two 35 horsepower electric motors and two 1.5 kWh batteries which could only sustain the high speed for just a moment. When flown at a slower 65 mph, the plane can fly for about 25 minutes.

Other electric airplanes have accomplished greater flight lengths, but at much slower speeds.

You can check out a video of the plane above (in French).

via Wired Autopia

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Unimpressive
written by Eric, July 06, 2011

If you want an impressive example of an alternative powered aircraft, then look at the German 1930 Bessler steam airplane. http://www.flyingkettle.com/besler6.htm

There are videos hosted on Youtube demonstrating its actual use.

-1

Well I'll be darned.
written by Gravytrain - Vancouver SEO, January 15, 2012

This little bugger seems like quite the accomplishment. I wonder if there's been any new advances in electric planes since this article was written?

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