Siemens Electric Motor Will Power Sun Flyer 2

Bye Aerospace and Siemens will collaborate on future development of Bye Aerospace’s all-electric Sun Flyer 2, which made its maiden trip aloft this spring and is expected to begin certification flight trials soon.

“We are pleased to announce an agreement with Siemens to provide the electric propulsion motor and inverter for the Sun Flyer program,” said George Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace. “They will be an active partner through the FAA certification and production phase for the Sun Flyer 2.”

Bye said the Sun Flyer family of aircraft, including the 2-seat Sun Flyer 2 and the 4-seat Sun Flyer 4, aim to be the first FAA-certified, U.S.-built practical, all-electric airplanes to serve the flight training and general aviation markets. Siemens will provide the SP70D motor with a 90kW peak output (equivalent to 115 hp), and a continuous rating of 70kW (90 hp).

“Given its performance and form factor, the SP70D motor is perfect for Sun Flyer,” Bye said. “Members of the Siemens team have already been participating in development and certification meetings with the FAA, and we will be making future announcements about progress with the Sun Flyer 2’s flight test program.”

“The Siemens SP70D motor has been specifically designed for the needs of 2-seater flight trainers,” said Dr. Frank Anton, Executive Vice President and Head of eAircraft, Siemens. “We know that safety, performance and cost of electric propulsion in the flight training market will be game changing and we are proud to partner on the Sun Flyer family of aircraft.”