TEXTRON: PIPISTREL VELIS ELECTRO TAKES FLIGHT WITH THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, announced that the Pipistrel Velis Electro – the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft – has been selected by AFWERX and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) to be leased for the United States Air Force’s Agility Prime program to explore operational and training uses of the aircraft.

Agility Prime is the Air Force’s vertical lift program that partners with the eVTOL commercial industry to drive the third revolution in aerospace, providing access to zero-emission aircraft for a variety of uses, including in training and operations.

Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “AFWERX and MTSI’s selection of the Velis Electro is a powerful endorsement of Pipistrel and the growing acceptance by leading organizations of this area of emerging technology. This marks an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight and we are proud to support the Agility Prime program as the Velis enters its fleet.”

Gabriel Massey, President, Pipistrel, adds: “The Velis Electro is a cost-effective and sustainable option for flight training. With its mature electric engine design, developed in-house at Pipistrel, the Velis Electro leads the industry in carrying out more sustainable pilot training and other missions.”

The two Velis Electros will be directly supported by Pipistrel’s distributer, Lincoln Park Aviation.