The Flight Design F-2e (FD2E) is an all-electric derivative of the F2 light aircraft, designed primarily as a technology demonstrator and future flight trainer. Developed by Flight Design General Aviation GmbH, a German manufacturer known for the CT series, the F-2e represents a shift toward certified electric aviation. Unlike many electric ultralights, the F-2e was engineered to meet EASA CS-23 and FAA Part 23/F44 standards, positioning it for use in professional flight training and personal recreation.
The aircraft's design is based on a modular carbon fiber composite airframe featuring a high-wing, strutless layout. It incorporates an integrated safety cell for occupants and utilizes a spin-resistant aerodynamic design that adheres to ASTM F3180 standards for stall resistance and departure characteristics. The F-2e prototype first flew on May 29, 2019, followed by a public flight on June 5, 2019, at Strausberg airfield in Germany. While the F2 airframe family entered production in 2019, the F-2e has remained largely in the prototype and testing phase, with EASA certification planned for the end of 2022.
Propulsion is provided by a Siemens eAircraft system, featuring the SP55D direct-drive electric motor which delivers 55 kW of power. The powertrain is supported by an EPUIII modular control system—comprising a battery system master, power supply unit, and vehicle and cockpit control units—with systems integration handled by the firm APUS. The aircraft is designed for a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 1,100 kg, which includes batteries capable of supporting two occupants for roughly two to three hours of flight. Preliminary performance estimates indicate a maximum short-range cruise speed of 210 km/h and an optimum long-endurance cruise speed of 170 km/h.
Because the F-2e is a developmental project, total production numbers and a comprehensive fleet list are not publicly available, though at least one prototype is documented. Its legacy lies in its role as a modular platform that demonstrates the integration of high-energy battery systems into a certified airframe, showcasing a collaborative effort between Flight Design, Siemens eAircraft, and APUS.