Elixir Aircraft Elixir
| Elixir | |
|---|---|
.jpg?lang=en)
| |
| The Elixir prototype at the Paris Air Show 2019 | |
| Role | Light aircraft |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Elixir Aircraft |
| First flight | 31 August 2017 |
| Introduction | January 2015 |
The Elixir Aircraft Elixir is a 2010s French two-seat light aircraft designed and built by Elixir Aircraft.[1] The aircraft will conform to the European Aviation Safety Agency Certification Standard CS-23.[2]
The aircraft was announced at the Paris Air Show 2015 in the form of 2 models[3]. The prototype was publicly unveiled during the 2017 edition of the airshow[4].
Its entry into service is expected at the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020, as soon as the type certificate is obtained.
Design and development
The development of the aircraft began in 2015. The Elixir first flew on 31 August 2017 from La Rochelle Airport[5]. The aircraft flew for about 40 minutes at around 5000 feet.
Starting from March 2018, another campaign of flight tests took place, with new objectives and another test pilot.[6]
In order to meet the EASA CS-23 type certification requirements, which puts an emphasis on limiting the risks of stall in last turn (one of the main cause of accidents until today)[7], the manufacturer added the following elements[8]:
- Fences on the wing upper surface
- Keel, for an improved stability at higher speeds In April 2019, the company reveals that they have conducted a static test on the wing in March 2019, to validate the conformity to the safety norms established by the EASA. The wing withstood to 8.6 tons, which is described by the manufacturer as "a big step toward certification". According to the company this test was conducted with a wing on which impact simulations were made, in addition to a damaged and repaired section, the goal being to demonstrate the reliability of its carbon fiber wing in the most extreme conditions.
Characteristics
Design
The Elixir is a cantilever low-wing monoplane. It has a T-tail, which reminds of the aerodynamic formula from the aircraft designed by Michel Colomban, such as the MCR. The landing gear configuration is a fixed tricycle landing gear. The cabin adopts a side-by-side configuration, allowing to seat 2 persons.
Structure
The airframe of the Elixir is all made of carbon fiber, using an assembly technique called "one shot" that was initially developed for ocean racing sailboats. This construction method has many advantages, starting with the reduction of the parts count, thus reducing costs while improving reliability and safety.[9] For instance, the wing is made from a single piece (wingtip to wingtip), like the fuselage, the horizontal stabilizer, the ailerons, the flaps and the canopy arch.
One of the most noticeable results from this technique is the complete removal of longerons, ribs and spars within the wing.
Powerplant
The Elixir is powered by a Rotax 912iS, fuel injected version of one of the most popular engines fitting light aircraft, although the airframe is told to be dimensioned to receive the Rotax 915iS. This engine allows the aircraft to cruise relatively fast, at 130 kts (240 km/h) at 75% of the power. Apart from the performance in cruise, that type of engine turns out to be suitable for a use in flight training - which is the primary role of the Elixir - where piloting is taught at moderate speeds.
Safety features
The modern design of the aircraft allows it to integrate safety at the very beginning of the design process.
- BRS ballistic parachute
- Angle of attack indicator
- Anti-burst fuel tank (filled with foam)
- Evolutive wing profile (with wing-fences to increase maneuverability at low speeds)
Production
The Elixir's production is currently taking place in Périgny, next to La Rochelle. In the long run, Elixir Aircraft will produce the aircraft at La Rochelle airport, where a 1.500 sqm plant will be built.[10]
The production rate is going to be relatively reduced in a first time (10 to 12 aircraft the first year), before increasing in 2021 to reach 30 aircraft per year.[10] The manufacturer hopes to reach a cadency of 100 aircraft per year around 2024.
Commercialization
During the Paris Air Show 2019, the company was counting 87 pre-orders.[11] According to Elixir Aircraft, two thirds of their bookers are flight training organizations (private flight schools or aeroclubs), the rest being private pilots mainly based in Europe, but also in the United States.
Variants
Elixir Aircraft has already announced several variants :
- NVFR[11]
- IFR[11]
- A more powerful version, equipped with the Rotax 915iS, mainly suited for travel.[11]
- A version equipped with a towing hook, allowing glider towing.[11]
Specifications
Data from [2] Elixir Aircraft
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: One passenger
- Max takeoff weight: 600 kg (1,323 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 29
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912iS flat four air and water cooled piston, 73.5 kW (98.6 hp)
- Propellers: 3-bladed
Performance
- Cruise speed: 310 km/h (200 mph, 170 kn) with Rotax 915iSflaps down
Avionics
- Garmin G3X
References
- ^ Kate Sarsfield (30 November 2016). "Elixir aircraft preparing piston-single for 2017 first flight". FlightGlobal.
- ^ a b "An aircraft for private pilots". Elixir Aircraft.
- ^ Sarsfield, Kate (2015-06-15). "PARIS: Elixir Aircraft unveils new light single". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ Thurber, Matt. "Elixir Aims New Design at EASA-LSA Market". Aviation International News. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ Sarsfield, Kate (2017-09-20). "Elixir two-seat piston-single takes flight". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ "Le point des essais en vol de l'Elixir". AeroVFR (in French).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Loss of Control in General Aviation" (PDF). easa.europa.eu.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Fences et quille pour l'Elixir". AeroVFR (in French). 16 November 2018.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Why Can't Engineers Improve on a 60 Year Old Aircraft Design?". www.engineering.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ a b Sarsfield, Kate (June 20, 2019). "Elixir Springs to Life". Flight Global.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e Besse, François. "L'Elixir en finale pour la CS-23". AeroVFR (in French).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)