German airplane maker PC-Aero is progressing in the development of its single-seat electric airplane, the Elektra One. The sleek-looking composite aircraft underwent static load testing before Christmas (picture after the jump), and the company is hoping for a first flight next month.

The Elektra One is the first of three electric aircraft planned by the company, according to company CEO Calin Gologan. PC-Aero also hopes to build two- and four-seat versions in the coming years.

PC-Aero hopes the 16-kilowatt (21-horsepower) motor will propel the Elektra One to a top speed of more than 100 miles per hour. (We're guessing the optimistic endurance of three hours would be at a much slower speed.)

The new electric airplane was unveiled in April at Aero Friedrichshafen, Europe's premier general-aviation trade show. At the time the airplane was little more than an airframe. But back in November the company demonstrated a working electric-motor system on the airplane (video below), and now with static testing complete, PC-Aero is planning for a first flight in February.

In addition to its electric-airplane plans, the company also is developing the idea of a solar hangar to house the airplanes. The company claims with a 430-square-foot roof covered in solar panels, a pilot could fly for more than 300 hours on the sun-charged batteries. (That's based on PC-Aero's calculations for southern Germany. Your mileage may vary.)

The company also lists plans for both a version of its Elektra One with an extended wingspan and built-in solar panels to supplement the power supply on the ground and in the air, and an aerobatic version with more then double the power and a reinforced airframe.

Photos and video: PC-Aero

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDHjvolSff4