Originally published at: French Aerospace Giants Explore Hybrid-Electric Power For Light Aircraft - AVweb
Two-year project targets aircraft with six to ten seats.
Just two years ago Dahler put electric motors on prototype aircraft, flew them, and then said the current state of battery technology meant hybrid and electric aircraft were too far in the future for further work.
This new initiative shows how quickly things change – no Great Leap Forward in batteries but seemingly enough in controls and motors to try again.
Interesting that they are having Collins work on the prop side, instead of MT or Hartzell, who both already make lightweight props for TBMs.
Rube Goldberg would be proud. DOA. Drill everywhere to lower the cost of our wonderful fossil fuels.
‘light’ and ‘battery’ sound incompatible to me.
But batteries are weight, absent ballyhood advancements in them.
Snake oil?
Well, Keith, perhaps the best way to find out is to let them try. As long as they are not playing with (American) taxpayer money, let them give it a go. The investors know (or should have known) they are betting on a long shot.
Ayup, the ‘dotcom bust’ path.
regenerative gas turbine have specific fuel consumption close to that of piston engines. and can burn kerosene based fuel .
problem is still th engine costs a LOT more o build. due to refractory materials in the combustion and the heat exchanger is not cheap.141 hp on the order of 100 K. not yet certificated.
good part 250 and 400 hp engines will n0ot cost a lot more that the 141.
This topic was automatically closed after 7 days. New replies are no longer allowed.