e-Go aircraft
Key Features
- full glass cockpit (a large screen that gives you flight instruments, engine monitoring, check lists and navigation) integrated into the e-Go
- state-of-the-art Wankel rotary engine with very low vibration, ECU and fuel injection
- integrated ventilation and de-misting system
- integrated flight simulation system (yes, sit in your e-Go in the hangar and fly!)
- easily removed wings and canard, and an optional e-Go trailer. No need to pay hangar fees again
- transition training at e-Go aeroplanes. This includes a briefing on the flight characteristics of the e-Go, supervised transition training on the simulator and monitoring by an instructor for your initial flights
- ready-to-fly
Born out of a competition run by the Light Aircraft Association in 2007, e-Go is built with low-cost flying in mind. Power comes from a 30-hp (22-kW) Wankel rotary engine, which is an adaptation of a Rotron engine designed for work in UAVs. In total, the power plant, which runs on on garage forecourt fuel, weighs 23 kg (51 lb) and boasts a fuel efficiency of 65 mpg (3.6 L/100 km) at a speed of 90 knots (104 mph/167 km/h).
The aircraft's maximum take off weight is 595 lb (270 kg), which is 10 percent less than the UK's limit for single seat deregulated aircraft, with the light weight figure coming thanks to a carbon pre-preg construction. The carbon fiber wings benefit from a foam core, while the aircraft also makes use of machined aluminum and steel for parts like the canopy hinges and undercarriage axles.
Having found a well maintained 300 m (1083 ft) grass runway, you'll be able to take off and enjoy a 531 km (330 mi) cruising range at 90 knots. The microlight's service ceiling is 10,000 ft, and it'll pull four positive and two negative g if you're trying to impersonate your favourite Red Bull Air Race competitor.
Inside, the fixed seat is integral to the plane's structure, but the interchangeable seat cushions and moving pedals are in place to accommodate pilots up to 6.3 ft (193 cm) tall. While it will accomodate long-legged flyers, maximum pilot weight is pegged at 110 kg (243 lb), so it probably pays to go easy on the choccy if you're on the tall and generously proportioned side of things. The aircraft will also carry up to 33 lb (15 kg) of luggage.
Serial production of the plane has now begun, with prices starting at £50,000 (US$70,700).
Source: e-go aeroplanes