Air Energy AE-1 Silent

The Air Energy AE-1 Silent is a German self-launching ultralight sailplane powered by an electric motor. Designed and built by Air Energy, the AE-1 Silent is also marketed by Alisport of Italy, see Alisport Silent 2 Targa.[1][2] It first flew in August 1997.[3]

AE-1 Silent
Role Ultralight sailplane
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Air Energy
First flight August 1997

Design and development

The Silent is a conventional composite monoplane glider with a retractable 13 kW (17 hp) electric motor driving a 1.92m propeller.[4]

The aircraft was originally marketed with a nickel–cadmium battery pack, but in 2005 this was replaced with a lithium polymer battery system that gives three times the range of the early installation.[2]

Specifications

Data from manufacturer[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Wing area: 10.3 m2 (111 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 14
  • Empty weight: 195 kg (430 lb)
  • Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Battery-powered electric motor , 13 kW (17 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h (112 mph, 97 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 2.2 m/s (433 ft/min)
  • Rate of sink: 0.78 m/s (154 ft/min)

References
  1. "World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2005/2006". World Directory of Light Aviation. Pagefast Ltd, England. 2005. ISSN 1368-485X.
  2. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 132. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. "J2mcL Planeurs - Fiche planeur n°". www.j2mcl-planeurs.net. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
  4. AE-1 Silent
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