Chinese electric aircraft to enter mass production after international interest

China is throwing its hat into the electric aircraft ring by sending its first domestically developed airplane to mass production. The eco-friendly 2-seat RX1E is scheduled to receive its airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China before the end of this year and the company has high-hopes for its success in both the domestic and international markets.

Speaking at the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, Yang Fengtian, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering said, “This will be the first electric aircraft to be certified by our civil aviation authority. The success of the plane means China has become a technology leader in this filed.”

Yang, who is also president of Shenyang Aerospace University in Liaoning province, headed the development of the two-seater, light-duty aircraft, which were showcased at the airshow.

The electric aircraft runs on electric motors, with electricity coming from fuel cells, solar cells, ultra capacitors, power beaming or batteries. “We plan to reach an annual production of 100 such aircraft within three years, and the construction of a manufacturing plant that can make 100 RX1Es each year has begun in Shenyang,” Yang said, adding that the plane, together with a set of batteries, will sell for nearly 1 million yuan ($163,000).

The convenience of use, easy maintenance, low operating costs, high safety levels and eco-friendliness will bring make the RX1E and extremely attractive aircraft for many buyers. It will also service a wide range of purposes, for example police patrols, flight training, entertainment and mapping surveys.

Yang said he expects that the Chinese market will need at least 1,000 RX1Es to meet the demand from general aviation businesses.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 480 kg and a cruise speed of up to 160 kilometers per hour, the RX1E can fly 90 minutes based on a full charging of its batteries. It is able to carry loads for 230 km and fly at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters.

Each hour of flight will cost only 20 yuan, including 5 yuan for battery charging, according to Song Mingkai, a RX1E designer. Yang said, “In addition to the domestic market, it also has promising prospects in the European and United States markets, as many foreign enterprises have contacted us to express interest in it.”

Roland Bosch, an aircraft exhibition organizer in Germany, said he came to Zhuhai to invite Yang and the RX1E to Germany. He wants them to take part in a general aviation show because the cutting-edge plane has great potential in the international market. “The RX1E's design and engine are very good. I believe it will be a big success in the global market because it is one of the best electric aircraft to my knowledge,” Bosch said.