Affinity Flying Training Services has spent around four months evaluating Pipistrel's all-electric Velis Electro ultra-light aircraft as part of an ongoing Sustainable Aviation Pathfinder activity for the UK Ministry of Defence. Announcing the initiative on 13 April, Elbit Systems UK/KBR joint venture Affinity said it is "supporting the UK Ministry of Defence on a series of battery-powered flights to assess environmentally friendly alternatives for future military flying". "Flight and safety assurances were developed during the summer of 2021," says Elbit Systems UK. This activity was performed by Affinity in conjunction with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which has certificated the Velis Electro. This work was followed by a first phase of flights staged from Damyns Hall, Essex between December and January. "Phase 2 commenced in March 2022, and saw the aircraft join Affinity's existing fleet at RAF Cranwell, where up to 20 additional pilots will fly the eco-friend-ly aircraft," the company adds.
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