Very large attendance for the SkySpark flight early today. Maurizio Cheli managed to fly during 8 mn reaching a top speed of 250 km/h, a record for a 100% electrically powered aircraft.   The Pioneer Alpi 300 is powered by a 75-kW electric motor using brushless technology and lithium polymer batteries.

This successful flight is only an intermediate step of the programme. The team will now focus on the next goal: the hydrogen fuel cells powered engine.

Click on Press / What they say about the challenge to watch videos and read articles.

On june 10, 2009 at 8:09 pm SkySpark took off for the first time from the Turin Aeritalia airport. The goal to fly during the prestigious World Air Games 2009 has been reached. The flight is part of a long series of tests preparing the second phase of the challenge: to fly with idrogen fuel cells.

Pictures can be downloaded on www.skyspark/ftp/foto

The SkySpark has been installed at the Turin Areo Club where the World Air Games will take place from june 6th on.

Magneti Marelli joins the team as technical sponsor supplying the newest KCU inverter through its Motorsport Department. This high performance inverter has been developed for the Ferrari F1 car.

During the press conference, Mercedes Bresso, president of the Piedmont Region confirmed the support to the SkySpark project. From left to right: Paolo Maggiore, Paolo Pari, Mercedes Bresso, Maurizio Cheli, Andrea Bairati.

PRESS CONFERENCE SKYSPARK:

AN ECO-FRIENDLY RECORD AIRCRAFT

The goal of the SkySpark project  is to design and build a complete “ecological” aircraft in order to set a world record. All systems will be entirely electrically powered

On Wednesday 28th of january 2009 the ufficial launch press conferencs was held in front of a large audience.

The president of the Piemonte Region, Mercedes Bresso

Piemonte Region Industry and Energy Head of Department, Andrea Bairati

The Vice Chancellor of the University “Politecnico di Torino&rdq... 

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Banca Fideuram becomes ufficial sponsor of the SkySpark challenge. Acting for now 40 years in the financial promotion, Banca Fideuram is today leader in private banking activities in Italy. Like the SkySpark challenge Banca Fideuram is the fruit of a success story, built step by step, with strength and commitment, by people having a true passion for challenges and a natural vocation to innovate.

SG Fly Evolution has just delivered the painted challenge aircraft following the design of Aircraft Studio Design. SG Fly Evolution is an aeronautical company specialized in design of composite parts and equipments, manufacture of models, mock-up , moulds and kit aircrafts. SG Fly Evolution also provides maintenance and services to private owners and manufacturers.

A research agreement has just been signed with the Electrical Engineering Department to develop a specific DC/DC converter designed for the on board power line supply (450 V).

The converter will be built using a technology developed by the Polytechnic University to optimize the maximum density of power managed for each weight unit. Project will be coordinated by Ing. Paolo Gugliemi.

First tests are planned for early 09.

Sicme Motori, technological partner of SkySpark, is producing the Valentino engine, which will be propelling the aircraft. This prototype, which stems out of the cooperation with the Electrical Engineering Department of the Polytechnic of Torino, is very light and has a high performance: it only weights 25 kg and features a maximum power of 65 kW at a speed of only 2500 rpm.

Valentino is the crowning jewel of 45 years of industrial experience focused on research and innovation. “Sicme Motori is one of the first companies on the international scene to apply Direct-Drive technology to electrical engines” ... 

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Sparco, world leader for safety racing apparel, will supply the extra light pilot suit to Maurizio Cheli. The suit has been designed by Aircraft Studio Design. Sparco will also supply the technical apparel to all team members.

On july 16th, 2008, the Chancellor of the Turin University Prof. Francesco Profumo, signed a partnership agreement between the Polytechnics University and  Digisky, the private company, leading the SkySpark project. The new DigiSky R&D headquarter is located within the Turin Polytechnics University  I3P center for innovative companies. DigiSky has been selected by an evaluation comittee to be part of this  companies/university development programme, giving the opportunity to accelerate new projects. . DigiSky can therefore take advantage of the university ressources such as the Department of Space Engineering (DIASP), The Department of Electrical Engneering (DELET), The... 

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Moreno Stinat and Corrado Rusalen have decided to share the Maurizio Cheli’s challenge to build an entirely electrically powered airplane.

As a platform, they choose the Pioneer 300, a successful lightweight airplane with a efficient balance between wood and composite materials. The Pioneer 300 is one of the lightest airplane of its category and has a structure adapted to flights up to 300 km/h. The SkySpark airplane will be built with specific structural modifications to ensure the mounting of the complex propeller system.

Mirco Pecorari, internationally renowned aircraft designer and managing director of Aircraft Studio Design joins the team to create with his staff the challenge corporate identity including challenge logo, aircraft frame, pilot suit and web site

The success of test flights using 1 kw fuel cells reaching 5000 m altitude with a ULM Pelican GS confirms the feasibility of a lightweight electrically powered aircraft.

The research programme managed by a group of engineers leaded by Prof. Paolo Maggiore from the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Department of the Polytechnics University of Turin has found the ideal partner with the Digisky company to organize the in-flight tests of the components.

Maurizio Cheli, with the... 

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