4-seater electric aircraft makes maiden flight in China
Updated: October 29, 2019 11:18Xinhua
RX4E lands after its maiden flight in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019. The maiden flight of China's first self-developed four-seater electric aircraft, the RX4E, succeeded on Oct 28 in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang.[Photo/Xinhua]
SHENYANG — The maiden flight of China's first self-developed four-seater electric aircraft, the RX4E, succeeded on Oct 28 in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang.
Developed by Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA), the 1,200 kg aircraft is 8.4 meters long with a wingspan of 13.5 meters. It has a range of 300 km and is capable of flying about one and a half hours for a single flight.
The aircraft uses carbon fiber composite material and is very light. It can take off on hard grassland and gravel road, according to Zhao Tienan, deputy head of LGAA.
"The RX4E aircraft has a huge market prospect. It can be used in a number of fields such as short-distance transportation, pilot training, sightseeing, aerial photography and aerial mapping," Zhao said.
RX4E slides on the runway before its maiden flight in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019.[Photo/Xinhua]
A technician prepares before RX4E's maiden flight in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019.[Photo/Xinhua]
RX4E flies in the sky in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]
Guests take a look at the cabin of the RX4E after its maiden flight in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019.[Photo/Xinhua]
Technicians prepare before RX4E's maiden flight in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Oct 28, 2019.[Photo/Xinhua]
