Bye Aerospace has received nearly 300 orders for its new electric airplane. Known as the eFlyer, it’s a not traditional airplane that’s powered by a combustion engine. Rather, Bye Aerospace’s new airplane features an all-electric design, giving the Colorado-based aerospace company an advantage over its competitors.
Formerly known as the Sun Flyer 2, the eFlyer 2 is an all-electric two-seat airplane that’s being developed by Bye Aerospace. It was first displayed to the public at Colorado’s Centennial Airport in May 2016. And on April 10, 2018, the eFlyer 2 performed its first test flight.
What’s truly amazing about the eFlyer 2 is its all-electric design. While there are several hybrid airplanes on the market that use both fuel and electricity, the eFlyer 2 relies strictly on electricity. It features a single electric motor that’s powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Bye Aerospace says the eFlyer 2 is targeted towards flight training customers. With an estimated cost of $349,000, it’s an inexpensive airplane that’s perfect for trainee pilots looking to earn their wings. It features two seats, allowing for both a trainee and instructor.
In addition to the eFlyer 2, Bye Aerospace is also developing a larger all-electric airplane: the eFlyer 4. So, what’s the difference between the eFlyer 2 and the eFlyer 4? Both airplanes will use a single electric motor that’s powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The difference between them is that the eFlyer 2 features just two seats, whereas the eFlyer 4 features four seats.
Of course, Bye Aerospace isn’t the only company with plans to release an electric airplane. Airbus is producing its own electric airplane, while Boeing is backing the aerospace company Zunum Aero and its electric airplane. The allure of lower fuel costs and environmental friendliness has led these and other aerospace companies to produce electric airplanes.
“Bye Aerospace is a world leader and innovator of electric and solar-electric aircraft. The company, which was founded in 2007 and is headquartered near Denver at Centennial Airport, is developing and flight testing prototypes of all-electric general aviation training, personal and business aircraft, and medium and high altitude solar-electric long endurance UAVs, focusing on advances in energy and design efficiencies.,” wrote Bye Aerospace on its official website.
While it has received nearly 300 orders for the eFlyer 2, Bye Aerospace hasn’t announced a launch date for the new all-electric airplane. With that said, the aerospace manufacturing company expects the FAA certification to occur sometime in 2020. Once the eFlyer 2 has received FAA certification, Bye Aerospace will likely finalize the new airplane and prepare for it delivery.
Photo Credit: Beekachu
