Israeli electric aircraft developer Eviation has released video of its all-electric Alice aircraft as it completes a high-speed taxi test.
The tests took place at Grant County Municipal Airport (MWH) in Washington, US, on September 18, 2022, with the goal of examining the performance of aircraft engines and other systems during taxing. Testing went smoothly, giving the green light for Alington-based Eviation to proceed with plans to launch Alice’s first flight later this year.
Eviation’s Alice prototype has already performed several engine runs and slow-speed taxi tests at the Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO). The last round of tests was performed on January 10, 2022.
What do we know about Alice?
First unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019, Alice, an electric commuter aircraft, is designed to carry up to 2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg) of payload for a range of up to 440 nm (815 kilometers). Powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units, the plane is expected to produce zero carbon emissions, according to the manufacturer.
Alice’s launch customer, DHL, ordered 12 aircraft in cargo configuration in August 2021. Most recently, on September 15, 2022, Eviation announced that it had received a letter of intent (LoI) from US-based charter airline’s GlobalX letter of intent regarding the potential order of 50 Alice planes. Delivery over the aircraft is expected to begin in 2027.
The first all-electric Alice is expected to enter commercial service in 2024.
Yesterday’s high speed taxi rotation test…nailed it. Up next: First Flight. pic.twitter.com/x5vh16iHuV
— Eviation Aircraft (@EviationAero) September 19, 2022