Sunseeker Duo
Role Electric Aircraft
National origin Italy
Designer Eric Scott Raymond
First flight 17 December 2013
Number built 1

The Sunseeker Duo is a twin seat all-electric solar-recharged powered aircraft. Designed by Eric Scott Raymond, the plane can take off and achieve enough height for the motor to be switched off and follow thermals like a glider (sailplane), allowing the batteries to be recharged through the solar cells on the wings.[1] Still in testing phase, the company, Solar Flight, does not provide information on the range.

Development

The Sunseeker Duo is a high aspect ratio side-by-side seat composite construction high-wing aircraft with a T-tail arrangement with a single electric motor mounted in the tailfin (vertical stabilizer) driving a forward mounted propeller. The first all-solar power generated flight was performed near Milan, Italy with company owners Eric Scott Raymond and Irena Raymond. 1510 solar cells capable of generating up to 5 kilowatts power the motor and battery pack.[2][3]

Specifications (Sunseeker Duo)

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 2 passengers
  • Wingspan: 22 m (72 ft)
  • Empty weight: 280 kg (617 lb)

Performance – varies with solar conditions – designed for 12 hrs

  • Service ceiling: 3,700 m (12,000 ft)

See also

References

  1. ↑ "FLIGHT LOG". Solar Flight. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  2. ↑ du Bessé, Alessandro (June 12, 2019). "Solar Flight: Building Innovative Solar Powered Aircraft". IMPAKTER. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Sun Powers First Two-Place Electric Aircraft". Sport Aviation: 14. July 2014.
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