17 June 2024
+VIDEO An international flight school has signed up for three of Diamond Aircraft’s all-electric eDA40 aircraft.
airBaltic Pilot academy, based in Latvia, has signed a Letter of Intent for three all-electric eDA40 and two DA42-VI aircraft, growing the academy’s fleet to 15 aircraft.
The eDA40 is on course for basic EASA certification in 2025 and is expected to be the first EASA/FAA certified electric aircraft in its category.
Endurance of the Diamond eDA40 is 74 minutes including reserve according to Diamond’s published figures. That figure is likely to extend as battery technology improves.
That means the eDA40 is limited to circuit flying at first, and with two seats. Empty weight of the eDA40 is 1,130kg, and with a max takeoff weight of 1,3109kg, that gives a payload of 180kg.
The Diamond eDA40 is powered by a 125kW Saran electric motor. Battery system is from Electric Power Systems and includes multiple segregated battery modules, high voltage battery power management units, service disconnects, high voltage power distribution and charge interface.
It also has a fast charging system capable of turning around a depleted aircraft in under 20 to 30 minutes.
Pauls Calitis, Chief Operations Officer of airBaltic, said, “We are dedicated to expanding our fleet with cutting-edge technology to meet the growing demand for highly skilled aviation professionals.
“Therefore, we have decided to continue our successful cooperation with our long-term partner Diamond Aircraft, by jointly agreeing on the delivery of an additional five aircraft, gradually until 2030.”
