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German airplane maker PC-Aero is progressing in the development of its single seat electric airplane, the Elektra One. The sleek looking composite aircraft underwent static load testing before Christmas (picture after the jump) and the company is hoping for a first flight next month.
The Elektra One is the first of three electric aircraft planned by the company according to company CEO Calin Gologan. PC-Aero also hopes to build a two and four seat version in the coming years.
PC-Aero hopes the 16 Kilowatt (21 horsepower) motor will propel the Elektra One to a top speed of more than 100 miles per hour. Though we’re guessing the optimistic endurance of three hours would be at a much slower speed.

PC-Aero's Elektra One undergoes static load testing on its wings.
The new electric airplane was first unveiled last April at Aero Friedrichshafen, Europe’s premier general aviation trade show. At the time the airplane was little more than an airframe. But back in November the company demonstrated a working electric motor system on the airplane (video below), and now with static testing complete, PC-Aero is planning for a first flight in February.
In addition to its electric airplane plans, the company also is developing the idea of a solar hangar to house the airplanes. The company claims with a 430 square foot roof covered in solar panels, a pilot could fly for more than 300 hours on the sun charged batteries (based on PC-Aero’s calculations for southern Germany).
The company also lists plans for both a version of its Elektra One with an extended wingspan and built in solar panels to supplement the power supply both on the ground and in the air, as well as an aerobatic version with more then double the power and a reinforced airframe.
Photos/Video: PC-Aero

Fuente: Autopia