Tian Yu with the first molds pulled for the company's electric-powered light-sport aircraft.

Computer image of the proposed LSA.

E-Flight Expo is an exposition of future propulsion systems for general aviation aircraft, highlighting electrical, ecological, and evolutionary developments in electric-powered aircraft, hybrid engines, electric motors, complete propulsion systems and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Following on the success of an E-Flight Expo at AERO in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April, an Expo is now planned for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Look for exhibits in the Aviation Learning Center, sponsored by Chevron Global Aviation, in the exhibit hall across from the NASA building.

One of the reported stars of the AERO Expo was the Chinese company, Yuneec, led by Tian Yu, which has developed a complete electric system with its own engine and battery system and reports sales in excess of $30 million per year in sales of power packs for model aircraft.

At AERO, Yuneec, exhibited electric-powered paraplanes, a weight-shift trike, and a backpack motor for paragliders. For AirVenture, Yu and Englishman Clive Coote are planning to demonstrate an electric-powered two-seat light-sport aircraft, with an expected endurance of 2 hours. The aircraft would be powered by the company's E-430 engine.

Earlier today, EAA received images of the first prototype aircraft coming out of the molds. Yuneec expects to finish construction in time to complete initial flight testing before demonstrating the airplane at AirVenture 2009.