Pipistrel Certifies its E-811 Engine, Available to Other OEMS

Pipistrel has obtained a type-certification for E-811 as the world’s first electric engine certified for use in general aviation. The engine, fully certified by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is now also available to other aircraft designers and manufacturers globally.

The E-811 engine combines a liquid-cooled electric motor and a liquid-cooled power controller. Offering 57.6 kW (77 HP) of peak power, and 49.2 kW (66 HP) of maximum continuous power, the E-811 is the ideal powerplant for powered sailplanes, UL, LSA and VLA aircraft, where a type-certified engine is required. It may also be installed on Part-23 Level 1 aircraft and other distributed propulsion applications by applying the corresponding special conditions.

Computer drawing of the Pipistrel E-811 electric motor, available to customers through its EASA type certificate.

The E-811 is extremely flexible: the motor’s rotation direction is not factory selected and can be easily adapted to any given application as part of the installation and supports a wide variety of propellers.

The propulsion motor is a state-of-the-art axial flux synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. Lighter and more compact, these motors are also more powerful than radial flux motors, making them ideal for their application in aviation. The engine is entirely liquid-cooled through a single cooling circuit with a mixture of 50% water and 50% glycol. The cooling system is part of the installation and can be provided by Pipistrel.

Now all the other aircraft OEMs can also enjoy the benefits of a type-certified electric engine or boost the development process of their powered sailplanes, UL, LSA, VLA or Part-23 Level-1 aircraft!

E-811 is integrated on Pipistrel’s Velis Electro vehicle prototype.

Why it matters: Pipistrel’s type certification of its electric engine offers an interesting business opportunity. By offering the engine to other OEMs, competitors have the option to reduce their R&D expenses in bringing new aircraft programs to market. Additionally, this business venture offers Pipistrel with additional revenue streams if sales of their Velis Electro vehicle are lackluster. This move also makes Pipistrel the first OEM in aerial mobility to offer its engineered components for sale.

Source: Pipistrel Press Release