China’s first electric aircraft has been certified by the state regulatory agency. The RX4E is a four-seat, small propeller aircraft. It was designed by the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) for usage in locations with insufficient road infrastructure.
cleared to fly.
Chinese official media stated that the RX4E received Type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on December 29th, 2024.
The RX4E is the first entirely electric aircraft designed in line with CCAR-23, China’s civil aviation regulations governing airworthiness for normal category aircraft, according to the CAAC, and represents a breakthrough in new energy aviation technology.
The type certificate will allow the aircraft to move beyond the experimental phase and into mass production.
The Liaoning General Aviation Academy of Shenyang Aerospace University created the aircraft independently, and it can fly for up to 1.5 hours.
The type certification process took slightly over five years, and three types of the aircraft have amassed more than 1,200 flying hours and 1,800 takeoffs and landings since the RX4E’s first flight in 2019. Volar Air Mobility, LGAA’s global sales partner, recently posted on LinkedIn.
“We are glad to announce that the RX4E, a four-seater electric aircraft built by the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA), received Type Certification (TC No.: 0095A) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on December 29, 2024. With this, the RX4E becomes the world’s first electric aircraft certified under Part 23 standards (commercial usage).
“This milestone heralds a new era in sustainable aviation, paving the path for the commercialization of electric aircraft in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
“Volar, as LGAA’s global partner, is committed to introducing the RX e-series globally. This green aviation solution is intended to fill gaps in short-haul regional air mobility, particularly in developing nations with insufficient road infrastructure.”
An electric alternative.
The RX4E is the world’s first commercially approved electric aircraft under Part 23 regulations. The aircraft features an upper single wing, a low flat tail, a front propeller, and front three-point nonretractable landing gear.
The aircraft makes extensive use of carbon fiber composite materials, accounting for 77% of the overall structural weight of the plane. The RX4E is also the world’s first electric aircraft with battery switching capabilities.
The aircraft has a wingspan of 13.5 meters and a length of 8.4 meters, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,260 kg, including the aircraft itself, which weighs 860 kg.
It is powered by a lithium battery with a total capacity of 70 kWh and features an electric propulsion system capable of producing 140 kW for a top speed of 260 km/h or a cruising speed of 200 km/h. With a flight time of one and a half hours, the plane has a range of approximately 300 kilometers.
The aircraft is being designed for a variety of potential applications. Its manufacturers claim that it can be used for private or commercial pilot instruction, aviation experience flights, personal entertainment flights, tourism, agricultural, and forestry detection.
The major aim, however, is to connect locations with inadequate infrastructure because the aircraft can land on firm grass or sand. Volar Air Mobility’s founding chairman, Henry Hooi Hing-lee, confirmed agreements with developers to commercialize the plane in 15 countries.
LGAA is also developing a hydrogen variant of the RX4E, which it aims to certify in the future years.
What is China’s first all-electric general aviation aircraft?
China’s first all-electric general aviation aircraft is a milestone in aviation, showcasing advancements in sustainable technology and eco-friendly air travel.
Who developed the all-electric aircraft certified by China?
The aircraft was developed by Chinese aerospace companies focusing on innovative, sustainable aviation solutions.
What are the benefits of all-electric aircraft?
All-electric aircraft produce zero emissions, have lower operating costs, and reduce noise pollution, making them ideal for sustainable aviation.
What role does this certification play in global aviation?
This certification positions China as a leader in sustainable aviation and encourages further development of eco-friendly aircraft worldwide.
When will the all-electric aircraft be available for commercial use?
The timeline for commercial use depends on further testing and development, but certification is a key step towards broader adoption.