New technology requires new ways of thinking. Electric drives in gliding multiply possible competitive variants. The aim of the e4Glide format is to take up the experience gained from the 1st eGlide contest 2019 in Pavullo – Italy in a structured manner and to combine it with other ideas. The use of defined engine contingents during the competition flight enables increasing independence from the weather and high-profile racing events. In contrast to ordinary gliding competitions, a defined energy quota can be used after the regatta start in order to avoid outlandings or to increase the average speed with the help of an electric motor. Whoever flies over the finish line first wins the day. Exceeded energy quota is subject to a time penalty.
The dream of zero-emission flying.
The unpowered glider is heavily dependent on local weather conditions. Equipping ordinary motor planes with a battery-powered electric engine is still reaching the limits of what is technically feasible. The hybridization of aerodynamically favourable gliders with electric motors offers propulsion systems that are ready for series production, are emission-free and, in addition, much more weather-independent than typical gliders. When it comes to getting technology from the laboratory into the air, gliding takes on its pioneering role once again in aviation.
The event e4Glide strikes this line between modernity and absolute untouchedness: the latest developments in the aviation industry meet the fact of absolutely emission-free transportation. Only with the help of the sun-warmed air masses can the gliders climb like eagles and cover several 100 kilometres at high speed in the subsequent gliding flight. Bad weather windows can be bridged by using modern electric drives.