As part of our ongoing development work, we are currently working on various options for retrofitting an FES system in different series of the LS6 (LS6-b, LS6-c, LS6-c17, LS6-18w) and LS8 (LS8-a, LS8-18) models. We published a survey on this a few weeks ago to gauge general interest. After evaluating all the feedback we received, the demand for the variant with wing batteries is larger. For this reason, we are now offering retrofit options for an FES retrofit with wing batteries at the target price stated in the survey.
Here are the key facts:
- Retrofitting a new wing battery
- Can be used with 15m and 18m wingspan (can also be used for the pure 15m variants)
- Performance data:
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- with 15m wingspan and 435kg flight mass, climb rate with full batteries is 1,8m/s with empty batteries 1,2m/s
- max. climb altitude with one battery load and 15m wingspan (LS8-e with 2 GEN2 batteries with 2,1kWh each): approx. 1250m -> expected performance increase of 20%
- max. climb altitude with one battery load and 18m wingspan (LS8-e with 2 GEN2 batteries with 2,1kWh each): approx. 1350m -> expected performance increase of 20%
- max. distance with one battery load without water ballast (LS8-e with 2 GEN2 batteries with 2,1kWh each): approx. 90km -> expected performance increase of 20%
- Additional remarks:
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- Inner wing water tanks removed, as the space is needed for the batteries
- Installation and removal oft he batteries should be possible in accordance with pilot/owner release guideline
In order to secure the financial outlay for design and toolmaking, we would like to offer the retrofit initially in the form of an option. As soon as 5 options are available, we will begin with the development and installation with the aim of retrofitting the first FEStrofit aircraft within the next 2 years.
The target price for the conversion is €80,000.00 net.
The conversion includes both the overall FES system worth just approx. €50,000 and the complete installation of the FES system, including the acceptance flight.
Secure your FEStrofit option now! We will be happy to send you an option contract by e-mail.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the DG team.
OUTLOOK:
An FES retrofit with fuselage batteries in the LS6 and LS8 variants with 18m (or 18m preparation) is of course still planned. As soon as there is sufficient demand in the form of signed options, we will also start with this development.
An FES retrofit for other LS series is not planned for the moment, so feasibility is not guaranteed. If there is also sufficient demand in the form of signed options, we will also start feasibility studies.
Please continue to use our survey form and express your interest (no matter of the series): https://forms.office.com/e/4U3SKN0FMM