Glen Dromgoole, President of Tier 1 Engineering, said, “Progress in the development of all-electric propulsion is similar to other periods of significant advance in aviation. The first aircraft flew short distances, and many people were afraid to ride in the new flying machines. At the start of the Jet Age, there was widespread skepticism about the commercial viability of the turbine engine. Today’s historic flight demonstrates the potential of all-electric rotorcraft and we are thrilled by this achievement.”
In addition the company said the e-R44 uses a novel quick-swap technology for its helicopter battery packs to enable return trip flights without waiting for a recharge with the time required to swap a battery pack is 15 minutes vs 1 hour for a full recharge. The company also confirmed the specific cross-country route for today’s historic flight was chosen based upon FAA approval.
For more information
https://www.tier1engineering.com/
(Image: Tier 1 Engineering)
