At the World Air Games in Turin, Italy, the much-awaited SkySpark set a world record in achieving a top speed of 155 mph. SkySpark is a 100% electrically powered aircraft and was under production since September of 2007. Maurizio Cheli, an experimental test pilot and the former Italian astronaut who flew on NASA shuttle mission STS 75, does miracles when it comes to aviation. Even this time, he kept the aircraft aloft for a full 8 minutes.
Hit the jump to see SkySpark in action:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8mwqXpAcxk&hl=en&fs=1&]
What makes it 100% eco-friendly?
The specially built Pioneer Alpi 300 is powered by a 75 kW electric motor and uses brushless technology. A hydrogen fuel cell capable of providing 65Kw of green electric power powers this aircraft. Moreover, the lithium polymer battery assisted it in achieving the top speed. It is equipped with a liquid-cooled 65 kW Valentino synchronous motor by Sicme Motori that weighs in at 55 lbs (25 kg).
Such meticulous specifications make it a 100% electric, eco-friendly aircraft. Further projections suggest that some special modifications could help it go beyond the existing record and touch 186 mph.
Associates chipped in with positive input:
Digisky, an Italian start-up company specializing in R&D innovative technology for aeronautical applications, and the Turin Polytechnic University offered the green flier ample support in setting this new world record.