NEBOair
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
NEBOair is an electric aviation company that operates electric aircraft for pilot training, demonstration flights and air display activity. NEBOair is the first company to bring the Pipistrel Velis Electro to the United Kingdom. It specialises in zero-emission aircraft and the development of electric charging infrastructure.
| Founded | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | , UK |
Area served | UK |
Key people | Sergey Grachev |
| Website | NEBOair website |
History
NEBOair was founded in the UK by Sergey Grachev, a British entrepreneur, lawyer and pilot. In 2021 the company began operating the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first fully certified electric aeroplane.[1]NEBOair is headquartered in Shipmeadow, Suffolk. The company's stated objective is to demonstrate the operational viability of electric aircraft and support the development of charging infrastructure at regional aerodromes.[2] In 2021, NEBOair representative Kerry Wilmot said the company was studying the possibility of transporting individual passengers between London and the British Midlands.[3]
NEBOair gained national attention by becoming the first UK operator of the Pipistrel Velis Electro. The company focuses on pilot training and short-haul regional logistics to test the feasibility of battery-electric flight. In 2021, NEBOair partnered with Affinity Flight Training Services and the Royal Air Force (RAF) to conduct a series of trials at RAF Cranwell. [4] The project, titled Project Telum, is evaluating the use of electric aircraft for elementary flight training as part of the RAF's goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.[5]
Infrastructure
The company is developing a series of electric aircraft charging points across the UK which it calls a "spiderweb" network. Key hubs include Shipmeadow Airfield, the company's primary maintenance and operations base; Damyns Hall Aerodrome, a strategic location for electric flights serving the London area; and Wickenby Airfield, a regional hub in Lincolnshire used for testing cross-country endurance. Another hub is Blackbushe airport in Camberley, where NEBOair offers experience flights and flight training for people with disabilities in partnership with Aerobility.[6]In addition, it uses several airfields in Scotland for RAFSA (RAF Sport Aircraft) training.[7]
NEBOair operates Pipistrel aircraft, including the Velis Electro and Virus 121 models. The Velis Electro is a two-seat, high-wing electric aircraft powered by a 57.6 kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery system, with an endurance of approximately 50 minutes.[8] The liquid-cooled batteries are separated, one up front and one behind the cabin. In the event of a malfunction, they automatically disconnect from the system, with each one capable of operating the aircraft for climb and cruise. [9] In addition to flight operations, the company has been involved in the installation of electric aircraft charging infrastructure in the UK.[10]
Sustainable aviation initiatives
NEBOair planes were used in a Royal Air Force trial.[11] The three-phase programme known as the “Pathfinder Project” took place at RAF Cranwell and examined the potential role of electric aircraft in future pilot training.[12]NEBOair was also involved in a study by the UK Department for Transport, “Sunlight to Flight,” conducted with the innovation agency Connected Places Catapult, exploring the integration of electric aircraft and renewable energy infrastructure.[13]The company is working with SaxonCleanAir to develop sustainable aviation practices and electrify aviation in the UK. [14]
NEBOair is conducting studies of the environmental benefits and operational constraints of electric flight, including battery endurance, charging requirements and payload limitations. Unlike a conventional plane, which sits idling and burns fossil fuels, an electric plane simply stops, which conserves energy. [15]Without the heat generated by a conventional engine, stored power is converted to motion more efficiently, which makes flying cheaper. Furthermore, without the vibrations, the aircraft requires less maintenance.[16]Another advantage is noise reduction, which is said to be 80% less than conventional aircraft. [17]
Electric Arrows
In 2022, the company established Electric Arrows, an all-electric aerial display team that utilises the Pipistrel Velis Electro to perform at airshows. [18] At these events, the team demonstrates the plane's low noise profile and manoeuvrability. The group has appeared at events such as the Farnborough International Airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo, Old Buckenham Airshow [19] and Fully Charged LIVE exhibitions.[20]