AE-1 Silent

The first project of Air Energy. In 1997 Air Energy introduced the first self-launching electric glider with Ni-Cd batteries. Therefore a slewing drive based on a 16 kW electrical engine was developed. 35 kg of batteries were sufficient to lift the electric glider with a weight of just 190 kg to a maximum height of 600 m. Already in 1998 Air Energy received the type approval. The Italian manufacturer Alisport supplied the fuselage at that time. Also experts were convinced of the first electric glider ready for series production. In February of 1999 the AE-1 Silent was awarded with the prestigious “Berblinger Preis” of the town Ulm, which awards innovations in general aviation. The changeover to Li ion batteries in 2004 increased the achievable height to 2000 m.

AE-1DSCN0760

Technology

Made for future. GFRP/CFRP construction with compact dimensions for easy handling even in one-man operation. Fast assembling due to automatically elevator mounting and lightweight wings (34 kg).

Wingspread:

12 m

Maximum take-off mass:

300 kg

Empty weight:

195 kg

Drive

Silent, ecofriendly and always ready to operate. After take-off the new developed slewing drive disappears into the fuselage. One charge suffices for three take-offs to a height of 600 m. Depending on the charger a complete charging takes only 90 minutes.

Power:

13 kW

Diameter airscrew:

1,92 m

Weight battery:

35 kg

Energy content:

4,1 kWh

Flying

Minimum take-off roll, maximum climb performance. Even on grass runways a take-off roll of 200 m is sufficient for the AE-1 Silent. The soundless climb to 600 m is done in less than five minutes, that means 2,2 m/s. The drive disappears in a few seconds into the fuselage and during the gliding a minimum sinking of 0,75 m/s and a glide ratio of 31 are realized.

Maximum speed:

180 km/h

Minimum speed:

65 km/h

Glide ratio:

>30 at 95 km/h

Take-off roll:

130 m

Maximum climb performance:

2000 m

Expense

The electrical drive is maintenance-free and the energy consumption is very low. For one take-off to 600 m the drive just needs 1,5 kWh. That is about the amount a common dish washer needs per cycle.