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Aerolite EV-103! The Aerolite EV-103 is perhaps the first viable all-electric Fixed Wing Ultralight Aircraft.
The Aerolite EV-103 uses the very popular, proven and well designed Aerolite airframe, with very slight factory modifications to accommodate the installation of the battery tray. The Aerolite EV-103 is available as a complete fast-build kit or completely assembled and ready to fly aircraft, just like all of our gasoline powered models. In addition, all existing current production Aeorlite aircraft can be converted to electric propulsion if the owner so desires. Available with 2, 3 or 4 lithium-ion rechargeable battery packs, the complete electric propulsion system provides an average of 20, 30 or 40 minutes of flight time respectively. The info below will answer many of your questions, and outline the specifics of the system:
How Long Will it Fly on a Full Charge: The first question everyone wants to ask is “How long will it fly on a full charge?” The answer to that question is a bit convoluted, as duration is directly related to HOW you will fly the aircraft. The short answer is ‘approximately 10 minutes per battery.’ 4 batteries will give you about 40 minutes of conservative flight time, 3 batteries will give you approximately 30 minutes, etc. You must have a minimum of 2 batteries for flight. Our flight testing so far has shown that if you do a full power take off, reduce power and climb to 700 feet or so, then set your power to have a cruise speed of 40-45 MPH, you will be able to fly a maximum of approximately 40 minutes with 4 batteries. If you want to increase your cruise speed, total flight duration diminishes accordingly. If you intend to do repetitive take offs and landings in the pattern, total available flight time will also lessen, as the consumption of battery power is disproportionately higher during take off and climb (you do not normally need full power to climb). As currently configured, the electric propulsion system produces a maximum of 22 kW of power (which is approximately 30 HP). Cruising power of 10-12 kW results in a cruise speed of 40-45 MPH.
General Info on the Propulsion System: The standard system uses a sensorless brushless PMAC (Permanent Magnet Alternating Current) motor, an advanced motor controller with temp sensing and configurable displays, and ruggedized batteries with BMS. It offers ~20kW continuous and up to 25kW peak power and 5.2kWh of energy. The entire drive system weighs about 30 lbs. Each battery weighs just under 36 lbs. If you use 2 batteries the complete system (controller, cables, and throttle) weighs 101 pounds. With 3 batteries the complete system is 137 pounds and with 4 batteries it is 173 pounds.
Motor: The motor is designed for a maximum of 2000 RPM’s. Maximum continuous power is ~15kW and maximum peak power is >25kW. Voltage is 72 Volts DC nominal.
Controller: The controller has a continuous power rating of ~25kW and a peak power rating of ~30kW. Controller voltage is 72 Volts DC nominal. The controller has over and under voltage protections as well as motor and controller thermal limit protections. The controller can also be connected to a display or app to view EFIS type information.
Batteries: Each battery uses a total of 240 Samsung 30Q cells. These are configured in 20 cells in series to get the 72v and then 12 series strings in parallel to achieve the desired capacity. The battery is managed by a BMS with over and under voltage and temperature limits. The battery is fully potted in a weatherproof poly-urea compound which makes it extremely tough and durable. These batteries should provide more than 500 cycles at >80% original capacity in normal flight profiles. Batteries: 20s x 12p Voltage: 20s (72VDC nominal) Amperage: 36Ah Energy: 2.6kWh Power: 15kW Weight: 36 lbs. Size: 5.75” x 5.75” x 13”
Charging the Batteries: Each battery is supplied with its own 110 volt charger. The way the system is wired, you can also plug one charger into any of the batteries in the aircraft, and the single charger will charge all batteries at the same time. Chargers shut themselves off automatically when the battery (or batteries) are fully charged. Other fast charging options are also available (providing charging times of less than 2 hours total).
Throttle: The throttle is weatherproof and durable contactless hall-effect type. There is no Potentiometer or physical sensor to wear and fail. In-Flight Video and Interview by Wayne Whitley
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