TRANSFORMATION IN THE MAKING

Hybrid-electric propulsion is set to reshape general aviation, with key technologies matur- ing through global test programmes and prototypes. Hybrid propulsion for general aviation aeroplanes could be a reality, sooner than we think, writes ATUL CHANDRA

- ATUL CHANDRA

Hybrid-electric propulsion is expected to transform general aviation and private aircraft, with several new technologies expected to mature by the end of the decade. According to various estimates, an aircraft powered in flight with a hybrid-electric configuration using several energy sources in flight (either in tandem or alternately) could deliver up to a 5% reduction in fuel consumption as compared to a standard flight. At the present moment, the main sources of energy considered for hybrid-electric propulsion are batteries or fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity.

Several industry OEMs are pursuing test and development of different forms of hybrid-electric technologies that could mature sufficiently to power production aircraft in the next decade. Some of the important programmes include the EcoPulse hybrid-propulsion aircraft demonstrator, which was designed and developed jointly by Airbus, Daher and Safran; RTX's hybrid-electric Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology (STEP-Tech) programme; GE and NASA, which are developing a hybrid electric demonstrator engine, etc.

EcoPulse Advances Hybrid-Electric

The EcoPulse programme was first announced at the 2019 Le Bourget Paris Air Show with a Daher TBM 900 Turboprop aircraft to be modified to not only evaluate the potential benefits of distributed hybrid-electric propulsion but also explore the possibility of integrating certain related technology bricks into future aircraft. The programme tested an important potential future hybrid-electric approach using distributed propulsion systems, which work by breaking down thrust generation between multiple small engines located along the wings.