An Electric Propulsion System for Gliders
Electric gliders are about to revolutionise the world of gliding. Allstar PZL Glider contributes to this advancement with Allstar-e-motion – a newly developed electric propulsion system. The company's own drive was designed with the German cooperation partner Breunig Aerospace.
Increasing the safety of gliding remains our number-one priority. Pilots become less dependent on ideal thermal conditions and should be able to approach a suitable airfield at all times. With an electrified glider, you fly more often because there are sufficient reserves for enjoyable cross-country flying. Ergo: Totally relaxed flying!
- Electric drive maximum range
- ~ 130 km
- Electric drive altitude gain
- ~ 1800 m
- Climb rate
- ~ 2 m/s
- Usable capacity
- 5,5 kWh
The Upgrade for Gliders
The SZD-55-2 Nexus-emotion standard class glider marks the beginning of the electrification of the SZD gliders of Allstar PZL Glider. The sustainer Allstar-e-motion makes the robust cross-country glider even more attractive. Our front electric sustainer as an assembly kit for retrofitting of existing SZD gliders is in the planning stages. New SZD-55-2 NEXUS-e-motion gliders are available directly from the factory with electric propulsion. Once the certification process is completed, Allstar PZL Glider plans to make its electric propulsion system available for interested companies.
Safty and Easy Operation
The design concept of Allstar-e-motion is safety and easy operation. The sustainer is based on a system voltage of 60 V and two independent batteries with tried-and-tested and reliable lithium-ion cells. The low voltage increases safety for the pilot and simplifies maintenance work on the glider. The two independent pairs of controller and battery offer a redundant mode of operation. The large folding propeller has low drag on the fuselage and is tuned for efficient climb flight and good cruising performance.
The Electric Motor
The electric motor is mounted together with the folding propeller in the glider’s nose. This concept, which has proven itself many times over, is particularly suitable for sustainers and convinces by its simplicity and efficiency. The air-cooled EMRAX 188 engine with 18 kW peak power has been specially adapted for the Allstar e-motion system and sets standards in terms of smooth running, efficiency and power-to-weight ratio. This makes it the ideal motor for gliders with electric propulsion.
The Propeller
The direct-drive folding propeller has a diameter of 110 cm and is optimised for cruising. With a maximum speed of 3500rpm, it is efficient and yet powerful, even when climbing (approx. 2.0m/s). During gliding, the folded propeller blades are aerodynamically aligned with the fuselage contour of the glider, which minimises the drag when the engine is stationary. The parking position is reached fully automatic and directly at the end of the propeller deceleration. After switching on the engine, the propeller unfolds automatically due to centrifugal forces.
The Batteries
The electrical energy for the propulsion system is provided by two separate, rechargeable battery modules. They are situated in a battery compartment in the fuselage behind the aircraft's centre of gravity and compensate for the weight of the engine. The two independent battery packs weigh just under 19 kg each. They can be removed through a hatch in the fuselage for the purpose of charging and maintenance. The system voltage of 60 V makes the Nexus-e-motion safe and simplifies handling and maintenance. A total of 5.5 kWh of energy (delivery status) is available. This gives the Nexus a range of approx. 130 kilometres. Each battery pack has its own battery management system.
The System and Control Unit
The motor controller is based on modern, field-oriented sine wave control. The two independent pairs of controller and battery offer a redundant mode of operation. Furthermore, they increase the safety with an integrated protective circuit. A newly developed control and display unit for the system shows an overview of all key information to the pilot. This unit monitors the system and ensures safe operations. A CAN Bus connection establishes communication with the system’s other components like battery and motor controller.
Check out the SZD-55-2 NEXUS-e-motion with the Allstar-e-motion sustainer.
| Maximum range | ~ 130 | km |
| Altitude gain | 1800 | m |
| Motor power | 18 | kW |
| System voltage | 60 | V |
| Max. rotational speed | 3500 | rpm |
| Climb rate | ~ 2 | m/s |
| Usable capacity | 5,5 | kWh |
Would you like to learn more about the diverse applications of the electric drive system Allstar-e-motion?
Feel free to contact us any time – we will gladly offer personal advice and support!
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