eFlyer 2
Bye Aerospace is developing FAR 23-certified general aviation aircraft, eFlyer 2, eFlyer 4 and project aircraft. Credit: Beekachu.

Battery manufacturer OXIS Energy and US-based aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace have started their 12-month partnership programme announced in July.

The partnership was established with the view of extending the endurance of Bye Aerospace’s future eAircraft to a 50% to 100% in a single charge.

Bye Aerospace is developing FAR 23-certified general aviation aircraft, eFlyer 2, eFlyer 4 and other future aircraft projects.

OXIS will develop lightweight lithium-sulphur (Li-S) advanced battery cells to achieve higher energy density for such aircraft.

OXIS CEO Huw Hampson-Jones said: “We believe this collaboration will offer Bye Aerospace the confidence that OXIS Li-S systems will deliver the battery technology that meets the demanding performance and quality required to increase the efficiencies of their future electric aircraft.

“OXIS is focusing its research and development on the transformation of piston and turboprop aircraft that is required for regional flight transportation.

“We believe this to be the first phase in the electrification of commercial aircraft and will ultimately form the basis for the electrification of Air Taxis, with the additional requirement for regional aircraft.”

Under this partnership programme, OXIS cells and modules will be tested against Bye Aerospace’s existing and future aircraft.

The resulting information from the tests will provide insights and benefits of OXIS Li-S technology to Bye Aerospace.

Bye Aerospace CEO George E Bye said: “OXIS Energy’s battery technology continues to be an important consideration, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate in this way.”

In August, Bye Aerospace signed purchase deposit agreement for the delivery of 22 of all-electric four-seat eFlyer 4s and 2 two-seat eFlyer 2 aircraft with Quantum Air.