Center for
Electric Experimental Marine Aeronautics & Composites
Aerospace R&D Projects
Exploration and learning is at the core of our values, Equator Aircraft looks to stay at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution, by investing in continuous research within aircraft design and propulsion development. We have partnered with the top research partners in Norway and Europe to deliver top products and services in the next aviation paradigm.
01 The Xcursion 4 (X4) Project
The 2+2 person pure electric production version of our prototype aircraft is under development. Our P2 Xcursion prototype has led to a great understanding of the performance an limitations in a high end electric amphibious aircraft system. The overarching goal is still the same, a highly aerodynamic energy efficient seaplane where we take the lessons learned and create the best possible version of of the system, including all the modifications we have noted during testing along with some exciting new ways of producing the parts required with less effort and a more speedy process.
Preliminary Design Calculations
Seating Capacity | 2 seat (40+35 kWh) // 4 seat (40 kWh) |
Range on 2 and on 4 seats (realistic state of the art) | 2 Seat LRE (2hrs - 400km) // 4 Seats (1.2hrs - 250km) |
Caculated Air Speed @ low consumption (35kW) | 110 kts |
Calculated Stall Speed Flaps Extended | 40 kts |
02 Electric Air Racer
Equator is developing an electric air racer to compete in the Air Race E series. It's a single seat 150kW, 250mph powerhouse. Read More here
03 Aerodynamics & Hydrodynamics (vs.)
Flying electric means more focus must be given to the efficiency of the aircraft. The efficiency is determined by the aerodynamic properties combined with overall weight. Adding the hydrodynamic properties to the airframe and wings usually gives a huge penalty on performance. This is where we try to do better, by blending these two opposites to garner a better compromize. Equator utilizes 3D and CFD tools to assess aerodynamics at an early stage, where key properties based on safety, comfort and speed are assessed.
04 Composite Materials & Cost Effective Construction
Equator has specialized in rapid and cost efficient prototyping of light weight composite structures. This experience has given us a unique insight into the material, and is enabeling us to make very light and strong structures. The methods we use can provide rapid aircraft development to get the answers needed fast. We typically vary between moldless, hand-layup techniques to CNC machined molds and vacuum / infusion molded parts, dependant on what is required at any given time.
05 Smart Cockpit & UX
Key to any modern aircraft system is the introduction of new and improved interfaces. Equator focuses on creating better UX systems for the next generation of pilots. Focus is on creating clearer views, less clutter and automate what can be automated. We are currently researching how to unify the whole information experience into one very smooth and minimized system, that will provide a completely new cockpit environment.
06 Flight & Sea Testing
The only way to achieve confidence in new aircraft systems is to ad valuable flight hours and time on the water with our prototype airframe and systems, we gain valuable data that is used to improve the concept enroute to a certified production ready electric aircraft. Our team strive to make the tests at the highest level of safety in close collaboration with the Norwegian CAA. Equator is currently working on setting up a test-base to be able to increase the size of the team and continue with further development
07 (ESP) Electric Sea Plane
Together with Nordic Seaplanes in Copenhagen, Equator is working on a concept for a larger electric seaplane designed for up to 8 people and easily converted to cargo and other applications.
08 Urban e-Mobility
Equator is involved in several urban mobility efforts, where our competancies in light weight construction is being used on ground vehicles. We can not yet disclose the nature of these projects.