e-Go is a single-seat light sport aircraft (LSA) designed and developed by e-Go Aeroplanes, a UK-based aircraft manufacturer. The aircraft, also called e-Plane, is developed under the Single Seat Deregulated (SSDR) category in the UK.

The first flight of the aircraft was completed in October 2013. The first SSDR e-Go aircraft prototype was produced and delivered in June 2016.

“The e-Go LSA is powered by a Rotron e-Go maximum power engine, which generates an output power of 30hp at 6,500rpm.”

e-Go is also available in another variant known as e-Go plus. It will also be developed in compliance with the US LSA rule, and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules.

Design and features of e-Go aircraft

Designed by Giotto Castelli, the e-Go aircraft is constructed using carbon fibre. Its fuselage weighs approximately 12kg and main wing panel roughly 20kg. The main wing remains at a zero angle when the aircraft is on the ground.

The wings of the aircraft can be removed by moving a single lever on each side with the aileron controls connecting and disconnecting automatically. It includes an electric trim system instead of a manual system.

The exterior dimensions of the aircraft include a length of 3.79m, height of 1.8m, wingspan of 7.99m, and wing area of 11.5m².

Cabin, cockpit and avionics

The aircraft accommodates a single passenger. Ventilation is provided by temperature-controlled air vents and de-mist through slots in the coaming. Storage space is provided for charts, snacks and luggage behind the seat.

The aircraft has a pilot mass ranging between 60kg and 100kg and luggage mass of up to 15kg. It features a glider style canopy, which enables easy entry and exit.

The full-glass cockpit is integrated with a large screen Kanardia NESIS III electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). The EFIS is connected to the e-Go data acquisition system and Rotron Wankel rotary engine control unit (ECU) through the controller area network bus (CANbus). It also includes an 8.33kHz radio and ADSB mode S transponder developed by Trig.

The avionics include engine monitoring, check lists and a navigation system. Also included are adjustable rudder pedals and conventional controls for throttle, elevator, rudder and aileron.

Engine and performance details of e-Go aircraft

The e-Go LSA is powered by a Rotron e-Go maximum power engine, which generates an output power of 30hp at 6,500rpm. It has a fuel capacity of 30l with an option for a 40l tank. It uses unleaded mogas as fuel. The fuel consumption is 65mpg at 90k.

The cruise speed of the aircraft is 90k, never-exceed speed is 120k, and maximum landing and departure speed is 45k. The aircraft has a manoeuvring speed of 70k and maximum straight and level speed of 110k at sea level, 115k at 3,000ft, and 120k at 6,000ft altitude.

The minimum handling speed of the aircraft is 35k, the range is 330miles at 90k, the climb rate is 750ft/min at 70k, and the service ceiling is 10,000ft.

The aircraft has an empty weight of 139kg and can carry a maximum all-up mass of 270kg. It requires a take-off ground roll of more than 200m and landing ground roll of 150m.