Hybrid electric concepts move toward demonstration

The push toward hybrid electric solutions for aircraft propulsion, power and thermal management continued with a focus on the need for hardware demonstrators. In April, Collins Aerospace unveiled a $50 million investment to add 2,300 square meters of lab space to test advanced electric power systems. "The Grid" is intended to be fully operational in 2021 and will support the design and testing of a 1-megawatt motor, motor controller and battery system. Looking toward the regional jet market, Rolls-Royce announced in August that it began ground tests of the 2.5-MW E-Fan X generator. At the Paris Air Show in June, United Technologies Advanced Projects announced Project 804, focused on flying a modified Bombardier Dash 8-100 hybrid-electric turboprop within three years targeted at 30% fuel savings. UTAP is replacing one of the turboprops with a parallel hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1-MW engine optimized for cruise efficiency and a battery-powered 1-MW electric motor designed for takeoff and climb assist. Also at the Paris Air Show, Rolls-Royce announced its intent to acquire Siemens' eAircraft business, and on Oct. 1 it announced the acquisition was complete.