First all-electric glider tow: Extra 330LE

The world’s first all-electric glider tow using the Siemens EXTRA 330LE, powered by the SP260D propulsion system.

This test aircraft is based on the Extra 300L, which is a two-seat tandem low-wing aerobatic monoplane with conventional (taildragger) landing gear.

Siemens uses the Extra 330LE for flight test and optimization of electric propulsion systems built around the SP260D electric motor.

In November 2016 the plane set a world record in electrical ascent:
The pilot reached an altitude of 3,000 meters in only four minutes and 22 seconds, beating the
previous record by more than one minute.

Aircraft data
Wingspan 8.0 m
Length 7.5 m
Height 2.6 m
Wing area 10.7 qm

Technical data electrical propulsion system
MCP* 230 kW
MTOP* 230 kW
Nnom 2,250 rpm
Mcont. 1,000 Nm

Inlet cooling temperature 90° C
Mass motor incl. prop bearing 50 kg
Battery: Fixed installed, 23 kWh

*as rated for the EXTRA330LE