eFlightJournal-04-2020+01-2021double issue

Cover eFlight PIPISTREL: Story ForumTest
TThe Alpha Electro that we tested in France was overall
lighter compared to the WATTsUP. The electric motor
(PEM 60MVLC, 60 kW, 81 PS) is a bit weaker and heavier,
but much better cooled - an important plus for continuous
operation. The new batteries are more efficient and
also better cooled. The electric motor shows its strong
advantages in flight operations. Because while a combustion
engine rotates “non-stop” in flight and consumes
fuel, the idling and descent phases of the electric motor
enable the batteries to be regenerated by up to 13%
thanks to the generator. It looks similar on the ground:
the electric motor only uses electricity when you are
moving or rolling. An electric motor doesn’t need minutes
to preheat either. Pipistrel promises an hour’s flight
with the electric motor. I tested that. Due to my habits as
a UL petrol driver, I certainly made one or two mistakes
with the e-management. Nevertheless, I was able to carry
out three flights with a total duration of 50 minutes and
after the last landing I still had 21 or 31% residual energy
in the batteries (see below).
The quiet flight operation with the Alpha Electro is
a great advantage to be able to expand as a flight
school on an urbanized airfield or just to be able to
survive.
The electric drive
Under the Cowling we find a 60 kW (81.5 PS) electric
motor, one that is in-house developed by Pipistrel, which
weighs 20 kg (Rotax 912 UL = 58.8 kg). Compared to the
trainer with the Rotax
Electrical or thermal, the Alphas have an almost
identical cockpit. Getting used to from one system to
the other only takes a little getting used to.
32 e Flight Journal 1 / 2021