Rui Xiang RX1E
Shenyang Aerospace University · People's Republic of China · first flew 2015 · light aircraft
The Rui Xiang RX1E is one of China's first certificated electric light aircraft, developed by Shenyang Aerospace University as a two-seat trainer and technology demonstrator. Its high-aspect-ratio wing, borrowed from motorglider practice, maximises endurance from a limited battery capacity.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Clean glider-derived fuselage with tandem or side-by-side seating |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing two-seater with an unusually long 14.5 m sailplane-like wingspan
- Electric motor under a smooth spinner with no cooling inlets
- Clean glider-derived fuselage with tandem or side-by-side seating
The very long straight high wing — far wider than the short fuselage — and the silent electric powerplant with minimal cowling are the primary identification features.
Specifications
- The Rui Xiang RX1E has a length of 6.58 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.5 m (48 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The RX1E programme was launched around 2013 and the aircraft achieved first flight in 2015, receiving Chinese airworthiness certification soon afterwards. It represents China's early investment in electric aviation technology for training and general aviation markets.
Variants
An updated RX1E-A with improved battery cells and avionics followed the initial prototype.
Where you'll see it
Operated primarily as a research and demonstration platform by Shenyang Aerospace University; limited numbers delivered to Chinese flight academies as electric training aircraft.
Related aircraft
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