Airflow adds Pipistrel motors for eSTOL concept

Pipistrel is the maker of the first and still only type-certified electric aircraft in the world, the VELIS Electro, with expertise in clean sheet design through to project completion.

Pipistrel is to supply motors, motor controllers and batteries for Airflow.aero's full-scale proof-of-concept electric Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The two companies will further explore collaborating on the electric propulsion solution for Airflow's production aircraft.

Pipistrel is the maker of the first and still only type-certified electric aircraft in the world, the VELIS Electro, with expertise in clean sheet design through to project completion. As Airflow leverages distributed electric propulsion, high performing and reliable motors, controllers and batteries are key components to the ultimate success of the aircraft.

"Pipistrel's pioneering work in electric flight and their industry-leading experience in building and certifying powertrains for electric aircraft makes them an ideal partner to help us build and fly a first-of-its kind eSTOL airplane," says Marc Ausman, CEO and co-founder, Airflow. "They understand and can meet the challenges of a high-performance system with the reliability and safety requirements of the aerospace industry."

"We relish working with partners that are pursuing ambitious and achievable goals in electric aviation. There are a lot of ideas flooding the market, which is exciting to see, but not all are based on real technology and realistic aerospace timescales. It makes it hard to clearly see the aircraft that are best-positioned to meet their targets," says Ivo Boscarol, CEO, Pipistrel. "The Airflow team understands what it takes to bring a new electric aircraft to market and their experience building and flying the Airbus Vahana makes them one of the best positioned teams to accomplish this. Their goals at Airflow are ambitious and we're excited they've selected us to be on this journey with them."