A world first made in Belgium has been unveiled at Wevelgem airport: a helicopter that can fly on fossil-free fuel. The aircraft will then emit no CO2 and will be manufactured in Deerlijk by D-Motor, which builds flight engines.
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The DKT 07 is not only environmentally friendly, it is also a lot lighter and less expensive than a regular helicopter. “The device costs around 300,000 euros to purchase,” says Kurt Ghekiere of D-Motor. “It is cheap per hour to fly, but also in purchase price.”
The ultralight helicopter weighs 375 kg and reaches a top speed of 190 km/h. It can stay in the air for about four hours, while an electric helicopter can only last half an hour.
Flying hours
Alpha tests will be conducted with the device until September. “Nothing will change about the helicopter itself, the test phase is over,” it said. “We now want to build up to 900 flight hours to see whether the aircraft meets the standard in all weather conditions and altitudes.”
The device will be commercially available at the end of September. “There are people who will purchase this device for their own use,” Ghekiere expects. “The cost is therefore a lot lower than a normal helicopter. Perfectly suitable for utilitarian transport.”
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Tags: worlds fossilfree fuel helicopter Belgian price top speed revealed travel
