Aerospace

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Hercules to be the biggest electrified aircraft

Wright Electric is developing the powertrain for a hybrid version of the C-130 transport aircraft, the Hercules, writes Nick Flaherty. It would use two conventional turbines and two electric propulsors, with the batteries held in the cargo area, making it the largest aircraft to be electrified. The project would use the second-generation, MW-class motor, the WM2500, built with support from the US ARPA-E programme and NASA space agency, which is nearly complete.

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Testing distributed electric propulsion

Tyto Robotics has developed a test system for the next generation of electric aircraft that are using distributed electric propulsion (DEP), writes Nick Flaherty. DEP describes a propulsion system whereby the thrust generation is distributed across three or more electrically-powered propulsors.

Grid

First showing of new eVTOL vehicle with US certification

Joby Aviation has shown its electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle in Europe for the first time as it receives US certification for its propulsion systems, writes Nick Flaherty. The certification plan, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a critical step towards receiving type certification. The eVTOL was shown in Europe for the first time at the Mobile World Congress exhibition by partner SK Telecom.

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Propulsion module for take-off and landing aircraft

Greenjets and Ricardo have shown a fully operational, demonstration propulsion module for use in electric aircraft, writes Nick Flaherty. The InCEPTion module, the result of an 18-month project, is aimed at eVTOL aircraft weighing under 5 t.

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First airfield-to-airfield eVTOL flight with recharging

Skyfly and AeroVolt are working on the first electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight in the UK between two airfields with electric charging points, writes Nick Flaherty. AeroVolt is installing a network of aircraft smart chargers around the UK at airports and aerodromes. It currently has five operational sites and aims to have 24 running by the time deliveries of the Skyfly Axe eVTOL begin in 2025, with plans in place for over 60 sites.

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Hybrid electric propulsion passenger aircraft

A European project is developing a new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers, writes Nick Flaherty. Several Fraunhofer Institutes and Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, under the leadership of Rolls-Royce Germany and other partners such as research institution ACCESS, are collaborating on the hybrid electric-propulsion system.

Grid

Successful test of aircraft rim motor

Duxion Motors has successful ground tested its patented eJet Motor for electric aviation, writes Nick Flaherty. The successful ground testing of the scaled prototype at Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, included both low-speed and high-speed testing.

Dossier

H3X

H3X is meeting the challenge of maximising continuous power output against high operating temperatures. Rory Jackson reports Commercial aviation is one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of pollution, responsible for about 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 2.5% of carbon emissions. These levels are projected to reach...

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Amprius rolls out high-density SiCore batteries with extended cycle life

Amprius Technologies, a manufacturer of next-generation lithium-ion batteries, has unveiled its new SiCore product platform, with the aim of revolutionising electric mobility. The company has also branded its existing silicon nanowire platform, SiMaxx, with its current product range of up to 500 Wh/kg and 1,300 Wh/L energy density.

Grid

Mini-spoiler alert for faster flight

Researchers at the University of Bath are investigating how deploying spoiler-like devices called mini-tabs could help electric aircraft fly faster (writes Nick Flaherty). Mini-tabs can counteract the damaging vibrations caused by whirl flutter that occurs at high flight speeds. Maxon has provided the motion systems to test the effectiveness of the mini-tabs on a novel wind tunnel test rig.

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