NUNCATS, a UK-based aviation project has finished its maiden flight of its all-electric plane, which is described as an electric sky jeep, successfully, according to Electrek.
(Photo : FRANCISCO RAMOS MEJIA/AFP via Getty Images)
A plane overflies the zone of a huge fire in Paraje Villegas, Rio Negro province, 70 km south of Bariloche, Argentina on December 24, 2021.
The goal of the project is to expand the availability of healthcare by using it to transport doctors, medical supplies, and other cargo to remote areas with zero emissions.
Electric Sky Jeep
The all-electric plane completed its maiden flight out of Old Buckehnham Airfield in south Norfolk, England. The aircraft started as a Zenith CH750 kit, where the team removed its combustion engine and gas tank in favor of an electric motor and battery pack.
Charging the aircraft is supported by solar stations on the ground at Old Buckenham. The sky keep uses battery-electric powertrain and charged by solar panels on the ground.
The aim of NUNCATS is to provide a low-cost rugged and practical aircraft that can be used in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Following the successful maiden flight, the next step is to get funding to complete their second plane and replication it so they can get out into the field for testing.
Once funding is received, they will move towards getting the plane into communities where it can make a huge difference.
The company still has a lot to do to achieve its goal of saving lives globally through clean aviation. They are still looking for backers and sponsors to fund the development of the planes. In addition, the electric sky jeep kits can also be available as a greener option for sports flyers.
The test slight is a major step forward for the project, which means any tweaks can be made now to boost the production process.
Over the past three years, the CH750 light-aircraft has been modified by replacing the petrol engine and fuel tanks with a battery powered electric power train.
NUNCATS
NUNCATS started as an idea among its cofounder while at university, and it took 15 years before coming to fruition in 2019. Currently, it is a nonprofit social enterprise in the UK that is looking for a way to combat climate change one flight at a time but using electric aviation technology and renewable energy sources to power it.
NUNCATS is an acronym for No Unnecessary Novelty Community Air Transport Services. The company stated that the last four letters could also stand for Community Alternative Transport Solutions of Clean Air Transport Solutions.
They plan to work with charities and NGOs to tap into existing networks of solar-powered energy grids in remote villagers so the aircraft can fly between them delivering vital medical aid and attention.
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