All-electric Energic takes off

Aviation enthusiasts gathered at Sion Airport in Switzerland last week for the unveiling of a new zero-emission electric aircraft, the Bristell Energic, developed by Bern-based technology company H55.

It is a technological spin-off of Solar Impulse, which in 2016 became the first electric aircraft to fly around the world, is powered by H55’s electric propulsion system and is manufactured by BRM Aero.

Backers say the two-seat Energic is aimed at use for pilot training and in flight schools and is a stepping stone for the development of electric propulsion systems designed for VTOLs and flying taxis.

H55 says the Bristell Energic “offers a solution which is clean, quiet, cost efficient and safe”. The aircraft has an endurance of 1hr 30min, providing 45-60min of mission flight with enough reserves – a typical training programme for flight schools.

André Borschberg, former CEO and pilot of Solar Impulse and now H55’s co-founder and executive chairman, said: “Electric air transport will deeply transform and improve urban mobility.

“Electric propulsion has enabled the world of drones, it will do the same for aviation. The Bristell Energic is a stepping stone for the development of such new aviation transport solutions, where the challenge will be safety and certification.”

www.h55.ch

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