Washington-based Zunum Aero, profiled in the July/August issue of Charged, has unveiled details of its first aircraft – a hybrid plane with a capacity of 12 passengers and a range of 700 miles. It will have a maximum cruise speed of 340 miles per hour, and a take-off distance of 2,200 feet. The company says it will be available for delivery in 2022.

Zunum’s business model is based on “scaling airliner-grade economics to mid-sized platforms.” Zunum says its new plane will offer costs per seat-mile of 8 cents, or $250 per hour for the aircraft. The e-plane will boast 80% lower emissions and noise, making it practical to offer air service at thousands of underused secondary airports, and hopefully ushering in “a new era of fast and affordable regional travel.”

Zunum has opened a second development center in the Chicagoland area, where it is developing its electric propulsion technologies and starting ground tests.

Source: Zunum Aero