Dive Brief:
- GE Aerospace is working with NASA to develop a hybrid electric demonstrator engine for use in electric aircraft, according to a June 19 press release.
- The initial component-level testing of electric motors, generators and power electronics systems was completed at GE Aerospace’s research and development center in Dayton, Ohio, while the engine performance test was completed in Peebles, Ohio.
- The process also included modifying GE Aerospace’s Passport engine with hybrid electric components. The Passport turbofan engine is specifically designed for Bombardier's Global 7500 and 8000 business jets.
Dive Insight:
The development project is part of GE’s effort to accelerate the commercialization of hybrid electric technologies before energy storage solutions have reached maturity, the release stated.
The hybrid electric component results and baseline engine tests are being used to evaluate and update models in preparation for a future ground test.
“We’re advancing state-of-the-art propulsion systems for next generation commercial aircraft with an important aim — to drive industry efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions compared to today’s aircraft engines,” Arjan Hegeman, general manager of future of flight technologies at GE Aerospace, said in a statement.
The project is also a part of NASA’s two-phase hybrid thermally efficient core project, which aims to reduce fuel burn.
In December, NASA awarded GE Aerospace a contract for the project’s second phase to continue developing technologies for an aircraft engine core demonstrator test later this decade, the release stated. The Phase 2 contract is worth approximately $68.1 million with a five-year performance period that began Feb. 15.
The phase two demonstration is expected to be complete by the end of September 2028, according to NASA.
The second phase builds off of the first, which created a high-pressure compressor and turbine advanced aerodynamics, as well as a combustor.
The initiative is part of the CFM International Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines program, aiming to introduce hybrid electric technologies for commercial aviation.
The program, started in 2021, includes technologies such as open fan engine architectures, new combustor designs and hybrid electric systems compatible with sustainable aviation fuel. The program aims to achieve over 20% better fuel efficiency and 20% lower CO2 emissions compared to today's most efficient engines.
The industry-wide push for airport fleet electrification is being seen across the country, but challenges such as keeping up with electric power demand are still present.
In January, startup Elysian Aircraft revealed E9X, a low-carbon emission passenger electric airplane that can carry up to 90 people and fly up to 500 miles. Norway-based Heart Aerospace is also planning to unveil a hybrid electric 30-seat plane in 2028.
