In 2021, GE joined NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project. After years of developing individual components of a hybrid electric system—motors, generators and power converters—GE will systematically mature a megawatt class (MW) integrated hybrid electric powertrain to demonstrate flight readiness for single-aisle aircraft.
source/image: GE Aerospace
Plans are to conduct ground and flight tests of the hybrid electric propulsion system by the mid-2020s using a modified Saab 340B testbed and GE’s CT7turboprop engines.
Hybrid electric propulsion technologies can help improve engine performance, reducing fuel usage and emissions. The hybrid electric technologies Avio Aero and its parent company GE Aerospace are developing are also compatible with alternative fuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel and with advanced engine architectures such as open fan.
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After years of maturing individual components of a hybrid electric system—motors, generators and power converters—GE will systematically mature an integrated hybrid electric powertrain to demonstrate flight readiness for single-aisle aircraft.
