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The universally quoted reason why electric planes aren’t more prevalent, is that battery capacity is insufficient.

NOT TRUE.

How long do YOU fly for in a typical sortie?  My average is about 45 minutes.  That’s enough to get airborn, do some circuits, some stalls, and generally have a good time.  Or enough time to enjoy that early morning or after work spin, some low flying over farmland, and a circuit or two.  Or even to go on a scenic flight around the neighborhood, follow some rivers or streams at low altitude and pretend to be a WWI ace.

The OpenPPG electric power system (which costs the same as an ICE) gives you up to 80 minutes of absolutely secure never-fear-the-dreaded-engine-failure flight.  80 minutes.  That is enough for a short cross-countrty hop.  Plan your route well, and you can cover as much distance as you wish if you’re able to drop into an airfield after an hour or so and change batteries.  And that’s the secret.  Carry a spare fully charged battery.

So – let’s talk numbers.  How much does a spare battery cost, and what does it weigh?

Cost (according to OpenPPG) is $2,200 and weight is 22.5kg.  If you can afford either the 22kg weight penalty or the $2.2k price tag, get a second battery, (and use it to help arrange your CG.  Batteries don’t lose weight as they lose power…)

I’m sold on this idea of an electric Pou.  The question remains – can a 33hp-equivalent powerplant fly the Tiny Cedar Flea?

With just on 87m^2 (about 100 sq ft) of wing area, and an empty weight of 92kg (203 lbs), the OpenPPG electric motor will be MORE than sufficient to make this bird fly like a Valkierie for over 60 minutes.

I’m sold.  Are you?