The United States Air Force (USAF) will test the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first certified 100% electric aircraft, for pilot training uses within the framework of the Agility Prime program.
Two Velis Electro all-electric light aircraft have been selected by AFWERX and Modern Technology Solutions MTSI) to be leased to the US military.
Technical support provided by Lincoln Park Aviation, which, in February 2023, was selected as Pipistrel’s distributor in the US.
Through the Agility Prime program, the USAF will evaluate a number of innovative aircraft concepts, including eVTOL and zero-emissions aircraft, for a range of operational missions.
Throughout 2023, advanced air mobility startups such as Joby Aviation and Beta Aerospace have also delivered aircraft for evaluation by the US Air Force.
Slovenia-based Pipistrel was acquired in 2022 by US aerospace giant Textron, owner of brands such as Cessna and Bell Helicopters, to form the kernel of a newly formed Textron eAviation division, which will manage the firm’s projects in the field of electric and zero emissions aviation.