China's first electric plane, RX1E, developed by Liaoning General Aviation Academy, is expected to be delivered in the end of this year, sources learnt from Shenyang Aerospace University.

The RX1E has received its airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in February, before put into mass production. So far, it has won 18 confirmed orders. The first batch of aircraft will be handed over to the launch customer by the end of this year.

The eco-friendly 2-seat RX1E is the first electric aircraft certified by China's civil aviation authority, which is of great important in promoting the development of China's light electric planes.

The light airplane's general characteristics are as follows: Its wingspan is 14.5 m, length is 6.6 m and height is 2.5 m. With a maximum speed of 150 km/h, the 2-seat RX1E can fly 90 minutes based on a full charging of its batteries. Its maximum loaded height is 3,000 m and maximum takeoff weight is 480 kg, with a useful load of 230 kg. Together with a set of batteries, the electric plane will be sold for nearly 1 million yuan (US$163,000).

Owing to its easy maintenance, low operating costs, high safety levels and eco-friendliness, the RX1E has drawn great attention and can serve a wide range of purposes, such as police patrols, flight training, entertainment and mapping surveys, etc.