In a groundbreaking advancement for sustainable aviation, China delivered its first domestically developed electric light sport aircraft, the RX1E-A, to a general aviation airport in Anhui Province on May 18, 2024. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the global push for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The RX1E-A is powered by a lithium battery and constructed from carbon fiber composite material, making it both lightweight and efficient. It holds the distinction of being the world's first two-seat electric light sport aircraft to receive both a design certificate and a mass production license. The Civil Aviation Association of China (CAAC) granted the Type Certificate in 2018 and the Production Certificate in 2019. Additionally, it is the first aircraft of its kind to obtain an airworthiness certificate under the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
Zhang Feng, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) of China, highlighted the versatile applications of electric light sport aircraft. \"They can be used for pilot training, aerial sightseeing, short-distance commuting, and aerobatic performances,\" Zhang explained.
Produced by Rhyxeon General Aircraft, the RX1E-A boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 630 kilograms and can remain airborne for up to 2.5 hours, covering a range of 240 kilometers. As of March 2024, Rhyxeon has secured 22 orders and received over 400 letters of intent, underscoring the strong market interest in this innovative aircraft.
Boosting China's Low-Altitude Economy
The delivery of the RX1E-A aligns with the Chinese government's 2024 work report, which highlighted the low-altitude economy as a key area for economic growth. This sector encompasses small fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and drones, contributing to a rapidly expanding market.
According to CAAC, the low-altitude economy in China was valued at over 500 billion yuan ($70 billion) at the end of last year and is projected to reach 2 trillion yuan by 2030. \"Driven by national policies and technological advancement, China's low-altitude economy is developing rapidly,\" Zhang Feng remarked. \"From ground to space, it is expanding economic opportunities to three dimensions, opening up infinite imagination.\"
Zhang added, \"I believe that in the coming years, the low-altitude economy will bring about unimaginable changes to the entire society, just as we could not have imagined the convenience of mobile payments over a decade ago.\"
Reference(s):
China delivers 1st self-developed new energy light sport aircraft
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