The future of hybrid aviation: initial results from EcoPulse testing have been revealed.
The EcoPulse demonstrator aircraft, featuring a hybrid powertrain developed by Airbus, Daher, and Safran, has successfully completed its flight testing program, which ran from November 2023 to July 2024. During this period, the aircraft conducted approximately 50 flights, accumulating a total flight time of 100 hours.
2024-12-14 10:00:11https://naked-science.ru/community/1016075
Built on the Socata TBM 940 aircraft, the EcoPulse features a hybrid power system with six electric motors mounted on the wings, a powerful 300-kilowatt battery, and a turbo-generator.
Flight tests provided significant results, including an objective assessment of the maturity of hybrid technologies, performance evaluation during integration into the aircraft, and identification of operational limitations.
For instance, the tests revealed that synchronizing the electric motors could reduce cabin noise, while the airflow over the wings from the six electric motors enhanced aerodynamics during takeoff. Furthermore, controlling each motor individually opened up new maneuvering possibilities.