Two German companies have joined forces to produce the world's first six-seat electric-powered aircraft.

Composite parts manufacturer European Aerospace Design Consultants and electric aircraft developer PC-Aero are at the Paris air show to promote their twin-engined Elektro E6 and drum up interest in the aircraft programme from potential investors.

"The project is in its very early stages," says William Mannarn, managing director of EADCO, which is responsible for building the aircraft's carbon structure. PC-Aero - which is developing the single-seat Elektra One and two-seat Elecktro Two - will develop the electrical system.

The newly formed venture, Elektro Sky, hopes to produce a proof-of-concept aircraft within two years leading to European CS-23 certification within a decade.

"Within four years there will be a battery on the market that will be able to retain more charge and be a lot quicker to charge and have a long battering life enabling electric aircraft to fly longer distances," says Mannarn.

The Elektro E6 is projected to have a 500kg (1,100lb) payload and a 405nm (750km) range.

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Source: Flight Daily News