Colorado-based Bye Aerospace has announced the completion of an eight-seat electric aircraft with one or two pilots. The eFlyer 800 will be released no later than six years from now. This is a realistic timeframe, especially since Bye Aerospace has already proven its worth and has started delivering its eFlyer 2 two-seater electric aircraft. It is reported that orders for the eFlyer 800 are already being accepted and there is great interest in it.

Image source: Bye Aerospace

The battery-powered eFlyer 800 electric aircraft uses two ENGINeUS electric motors from Safran Electrical & Power. The flight range on a full battery charge will reach 926 km (500 nautical miles). The declared climb speed will be 1036 m / min, and the ceiling is 10 668 m.

For emergencies, the aircraft has a parachute landing system. An automatic emergency landing on rough terrain is also possible. Solar panels built into the aircraft will be used to recharge the batteries during the flight. It also comes in handy for the electric motors in the chassis, which are used for taxiing around the airfield.

Image source: Bye Aerospace

According to the company, the operating costs of the eFlyer 800 should account for only one-fifth of the operating costs for aircraft powered by traditional turboprop engines. The electric plane will also not emit direct carbon dioxide emissions and will be significantly quieter in flight than conventional aircraft.