Affinity Flying Training Supports Battery-Powered Flights

Affinity Flying Training Services – a joint venture formed by Elbit Systems UK and KBR – has begun the second phase of a series of battery-powered flights to help UK MoD assess options for zero-emissions flight training.

Affinity has supplied an aircraft – a Pipistrel Velis Electro – through a partner company, Fly About Aviation, and is partnering with Eastern Airways on maintaining it. The aircraft has begun what is expected to be a four-month second phase of a Pathfinder programme to help the MoD shape its likely requirements for all-electric/zero-carbon pilot training.

According to the RAF, the pathfinder project will not just examine piloting and training issues, but will also “explore the implications on Ministry of Defence’s aviation’s functional areas, including aircraft and airfield operations, both on the ground and while flying […] The project  is exploring logistics support and infrastructure requirements, as well as Total Safety. The intent is not to assess a particular aircraft or to gain insight for particular procurement, but to test the processes and functionality and implementation of electric aircraft as a concept.”

“Everyone concerned with this project, from Test Pilots to engineering, logistics and airfield operating staff, are acutely aware of the significance of the journey we are on,” explained Capt Steve Bolton, RN – the MoD’s project sponsor. “The Velis Electro is undoubtedly a groundbreaking civil aircraft, which signposts the potential for meaningful changes in future light aircraft operations. I know that our Test Pilots and support staff have enjoyed the process of getting to grips with something hitherto beyond their reach.”

Preliminary work to assess and develop flight safety assurances took place during 2021, and involved Elbit/Affinity staff working with representatives from the UK’s air regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority. Phase one of the pathfinder programme began in December 2021, with what the RAF says was “a small team of test pilots from the Air and Space Warfare Centre,” flying the aircraft from Damyns Hall, Essex. According to Elbit, phase two will see up to 20 additional pilots flying the electric aircraft, though the RAF refers to Phase Two as having been concluded in March. Phase three will take place at an unspecified date and will involve demonstrating the aircraft to “senior government officials and observers,” according to Elbit UK.

“Affinity and its shareholders are proud and excited to be a part of this Sustainable Aviation Pathfinder, and in doing so further support the Royal Air Force and UK MoD move closer to their net zero targets,” said Affinity MD Iain Chalmers. “It is our ambition to continue to promote innovation and sustainability in our work in both the military and government spheres in which we operate.”

“The concept of zero emissions aircraft being utilised by the RAF has always been considered hypothetical and we are proud to have proposed and delivered initial capability for this pathfinder,” added Elbit Systems UK CEO, Martin Fausset.