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China has officially certified its first all-electric general aviation aircraft, the RX4E. Developed by the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA), the four-seater propeller aircraft is designed for areas with limited road infrastructure. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued the Type Certification on December 29, 2024, marking a significant step forward in new energy aviation technology.
The RX4E's certification allows it to transition from experimental status to mass production. It is notable for being the first electric aircraft certified under Part 23 regulations for commercial use. According to LGAA's global sales partner, Volar Air Mobility, "This milestone marks a new era for sustainable aviation, paving the way for commercialization of Electric Aircraft in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market."
The development of the RX4E took over five years and included more than 1,200 flight hours and 1,800 takeoffs and landings since its maiden flight in 2019. The aircraft features a wingspan of 13.5 meters and a length of 8.4 meters, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,260 kg. It is powered by a lithium battery with a capacity of 70 kWh and can achieve speeds up to 260 km per hour.
