Hybrid Propulsion Systems

We believe that the future of aircraft propulsion systems will be electric. We also believe it is now prudent to exploit the benefits of today’s power-dense electric motors by integrating them with combustion engines to enable safer, more efficient propulsion with lower emissions. This is achieved through hybridization.

Battery Technology

Projected (400 W h/kg) specific energy still 10x lower than combustion power!

Motivation

Electric motor power density now rivals small gas turbine engines.

Coupling electric motors with conventional combustion engines enables configurations with:

enhanced safety through redundancy
lower noise and emissions
higher performance

Emissions regulations, the high cost of fuel, efficiency concerns, and (most importantly) the low energy density of batteries necessitate hybrid propulsion systems.

The coming revolution in electric flight will allow us to achieve our carbon reduction targets with quieter and more environmentally friendly transport for the next century.

Looking to 2030 – when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts one billion more people on the planet, and six billion annual fliers – the case for championing the hybrid-electric transition is strong.

Notional Parallel Hybrid Architecture

Proprietary engine modification enabling use of Unleaded gasoline & Sustainable Ethanol & Biodiesel blends

Demonstrator: Parallel Hybrid Propulsion

Demonstrator: Overall Objectives

Phase 1: Technology Demonstrator

Retrofit Certified Aircraft w/ Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System
Prove Concept
Attract Market Attention
Initiate FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Process

Phase 2: Kickoff Production/Sales Program

Sell Retrofit Kits
Sell Service

Phase 3: Development & Demonstration with Gas Turbine Engine

Sample Mission Profile (San Diego / LA)

All-Electric Takeoff & Climb to 10,000 ft

250 kW
2,000 ft/min Rate of Climb
5 minutes

Cruise with Engine only

20 minutes
Restore to 75% charge (~15 kWh, charge rate: 45 kW)

Descend

500 ft/min
10 minutes
Restore to 100% charge (~5 kWh, charge rate: 30 kW)

Approach

Descend as required – 5 minutes

Land & Repeat

Electric Taxi Out

All-Electric Takeoff & Climb to 10,000 ft

250 kW
5 minutes
2,000 ft/min Rate of Climb

Cruise with Engine only

200 kW
20 minutes

Descend

100 kW
10 minutes

Approach

Descend as required
5 minutes

Land

Electric Taxi Back

Value

Up to 10 minutes of Emergency TO power (comparable to OEI for a twin-engine)

Performance Boost

Up to 2x Rate-Of-Climb
Superlative High-Density Altitude Takeoff Performance

Quiet & Clean Operation in Vicinity of Airport

2 gallon Fuel Savings (22% of a total 1-hr mission)

400 hr Engine TBO Extension

Cost:

~1/3 Useful Payload (~350 lbm)
~$50,000 (targeted consumer cost)