Wichita, KS, USA – Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, on July 23, 2024, announced it will loan a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, one of the United States’ most popular museums.
The Velis Electro, manufactured by Pipistrel, part of the Textron eAviation business segment, is the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft, having received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, and light-sport aircraft airworthiness (LSA) exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2024. The Velis Electro, on loan for the next three years, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Museum’s location in Washington, D.C.
“We celebrate the National Air and Space Museum’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation through innovative collaborations and educational initiatives,” said Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron eAviation. “This contribution represents a major milestone in actively promoting sustainable aviation technology to educate the next generation of aviators, while also strengthening our position as leaders in reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.”
Roger Connor, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum added, “As we endeavor to tell stories about innovations occurring right now in aerospace, Textron eAviation’s loan of a Pipistrel Velis Electro allows us to explore the topic of sustainability efforts in aviation.”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is scheduled to go on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum next year.
For more information, visit: https://e-aviation.com.
About Pipistrel
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world's first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and most recently received a light-sport aircraft airworthiness exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel's pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. Pipistrel is part of the Textron eAviation segment of Textron Inc. For more information, visit: www.pipistrel-aircraft.com.
About Textron eAviation
Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation Inc., part of the Textron eAviation segment of Textron Inc., is focused on sustainable flying, backed by Textron's 100 years of expertise and the restless spirit for innovation that is embodied in its Pipistrel, Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell brands.
