The e-Go aircraft is flying

In front of a large invited audience, the e-Go prototype took to the skies of Norfolk on Wednesday 30th October for its official First Flight. In the careful hands of the company’s Chief Test Pilot, Keith Dennison, the aircraft gracefully took to the air and flew a lively display sequence.

For e-Go, to be able to build an aircraft with the required weight and mechanical performance, the use of TeXtreme® Spread Tow carbon fabrics was essential. On certain parts, the weight saving is as much as 53%.

The concept for the aircraft was just an idea in Giotto Castelli’s mind 10 years ago; the concept won a national aviation competition in 2007 and as a result of the global interest shown in the design, e-Go aeroplanes was started with Giotto leading the design effort to bring the prototype to flying status.

Giotto Castelli described his vision for the aircraft: “I believe the canard design (small front wing) can offer great maneuverability and efficient aerodynamics. The e-Go adds to that an impressive field of view and a very compact airframe with simple lines which the air likes as much as the eye does. This also allows the weight to be kept to an absolute minimum. It is amazing to have had so many individuals and companies supporting this seemingly infectious project.”

Malcolm Bird, Executive Chairman commented: “The aircraft embodies many novel features and benefits from the aviation authority in the UK relaxing its regulation on very light aircraft. This has allowed e-Go aeroplanes to develop a completely new aircraft in a short time and with the minimum of red tape. It is good to be involved in the revival of a British aviation industry.”

For more technical reading about the construction of the e-Go aircraft there is case study published in JEC Magazine issue 80.

About e-Go aeroplanes
Operating to the north of Cambridge, e-Go aeroplanes is creating the striking, new, very lightweight e-Go aircraft. It will cost dramatically less to fly than traditional aircraft and is a design-led product for discerning pilots who relish new experiences. It uses novel technologies for performance yet achieves a low cost of development and operation by exploiting the newly de-regulated environment in the UK. Interest in the product is high and we already have first deposits for aircraft which will be delivered in 2015.

About TeXtreme®
TeXtreme® Spread Tow reinforcements is the ultimate choice for making ultra light composites. TeXtreme® Technology is flexible and tow-size independent which enables development of optimized reinforcement solutions tailor-made for specific application needs. Utilization of TeXtreme® Spread Tow carbon fabrics and carbon UD tapes by manufacturers of advanced aerospace, industrial and sports products confirms that 20-30% lighter composite parts can be produced with improved mechanical properties and superior surface smoothness. 

TeXtreme® is a registered trademark owned by Oxeon AB. Founded in 2003, Oxeon has quickly established itself as the market leader in Spread Tow reinforcements with its products marketed under the brand name TeXtreme®.