Electric self-launching glider for training in Europe (article)

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https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/electric-propulsion-tackles-europes-glider-training-challenge

An electric-powered sailplane designed to ease challenges of training glider pilots has completed its experimental test phase and is being prepared for industrialization under a European-funded project...

Launched in 2014, the project aims to meet the challenges that face gliding schools in Europe, where unfavorable weather can lead to long waits for training flights. Prolonged waits are one reason nearly two-thirds of newly registered glider pilots give up before their first solo flight, the team said...

Using battery-electric propulsion, the two-seat Euroglider is designed to takeoff autonomously, without using a tow aircraft, and conduct a series of 40-50-min. training flights with multiple climbs above 1,300 m (6,300 ft.) without waiting for favorable weather.

This capability will enable gliding schools to increase the number of training flights per year by 2-3 times while reducing the learning period for students, the team said. Flying clubs will be able to distribute gliding activity by operating the Euroglider throughout the year.

 

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