Textron eAviation is loaning a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
The Velis Electro, manufactured by Pipistrel, part of the Textron eAviation business segment, is the world’s first type certified electric-powered aircraft, receiving certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, and light-sport aircraft airworthiness (LSA) exemption from the FAA in March 2024.
The Velis Electro, on loan for the next three years, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the museum’s location in Washington, D.C., according to company officials. It is scheduled to go on display in 2025.
“As we endeavor to tell stories about innovations occurring right now in aerospace, Textron eAviation’s loan of a Pipistrel Velis Electro allows us to explore the topic of sustainability efforts in aviation,” said Roger Connor, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum.
For more information: E-Aviation.com
I object. First of all, Pipistrel is a company based in Slovenia. Nothing wrong with that, but the Smithsonian exists to display American innovation, not foreign. Second, as nice as they are, Pipistrel is far from being the first maker of a battery (coal) powered airplane. I saw Randall Fishmann’s Electraflyer-C in flight at EAA AirVenture in 2008 or so. Third, this looks to me like more ESG hype from Pipistrel’s parent company Textron, which is nearly totally dependent on sales of weapons to Swamp-Dwellers.
Textron bought Pipestrel a while ago. So, it is a US company now, even if the aircraft are manufactured in Slovenia.!
I’ll add a vote for including Randy Fishmann’s electric airplane at the Smithsonian!