Norway’s Elfly Group is to forge ahead with the production of a full-scale prototype of its all-electric commercial seaplane, the Noemi (No-Emissions) following this week’s confirmation of USD$8 million-plus grant from Enova SF, the country’s Ministry of Climate and Environment.
The award underlines the Norwegian Government’s commitment to transition to a low emission society and its ambition to make domestic flying emission free by 2040.
Elfly Group will support this goal when Noemi flies, by reducing CO2 emissions by an approximate three million tonnes worldwide within 2050.
Having been awarded more than US$10 million in soft funding, combined with matched funding from early investors, headed by the company’s founding CEO Eric Lithun, Elfly can now progress key milestones at its Jarlsberg, Norway facility.
“Our team is delighted by the recognition and endorsement of Noemi, our all-electric seaplane,” said Lithun.
Elfly’s amphibious Noemi, backed by Norway’s Innovation Research Foundation, SINTEF, is being designed for flexible regional mobility in Norway.
With its design inspired by a boat, whose hull will enable the aircraft to take off using little power, the Noemi prototype (non-passenger version) is being readied for first flight in 2025.
Noemi is being designed for 200km commercial air journeys, flying at up to 250kmh, from 2030.
Its seaplane, carrying from nine to 13 people, will be powered by two electric motors with up to 1MW combined output and lithium batteries. It will have an unpressurised cabin, large windows and large access door.
Following the selection of Electric Power Systems (EPS) of the USA as battery supplier during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July, Elfly’s next priority is to confirm its engine provider.
