Providence, Rhode Island, 26 October 2023 – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is today announcing that the Pipistrel Velis Electro – the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft – has been selected by AFWERX and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) to be leased for the United States Air Force’s Agility Prime program to explore operational and training uses of the aircraft.
Agility Prime is the Air Force’s vertical lift program that partners with the eVTOL commercial industry to drive the third revolution in aerospace, providing access to zero emission aircraft for a variety of uses, including in training and operations.
Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “AFWERX and MTSI’s selection of the Velis Electro is a powerful endorsement of Pipistrel and the growing acceptance by leading organizations of this area of emerging technology. This marks an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight and we are proud to support the Agility Prime program as the Velis enters its fleet.”
Gabriel Massey, President, Pipistrel, adds: “The Velis Electro is a cost-effective and sustainable option for flight training. With its mature electric engine design, developed in-house at Pipistrel, the Velis Electro leads the industry in carrying out more sustainable pilot training and other missions.”
The two Velis Electros will be directly supported by Pipistrel’s distributer, Lincoln Park Aviation.
Photo credit: Frank Galella
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Rachel Douglass
O Pipistrelu
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. For more information, visit: www.pipistrel-aircraft.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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