Airbus look to fly hybrid-electric test aircraft by 2020

Airbus plans to fly a hybrid-electric airliner within three years as the race to develop small electric passenger planes heats up.

The aircraft manufacturer has teamed up with Rolls-Royce and Siemens to develop a flight demonstrator which they hope will help them take a significant step forward in hybrid-electric propulsion for commercial aircraft.

The aviation sector is looking to improve the environmental performance aircraft which are more efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels.

The three companies announced the groundbreaking collaboration, bringing together some of the world’s foremost experts in electrical and propulsion technologies, at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.

[miptheme_quote author=”Paul Eremenko, Airbus’ Chief Technology Officer said:” style=”text-left”]We see hybrid-electric propulsion as a compelling technology for the future of aviation.[/miptheme_quote]

The E-Fan X hybrid-electric technology demonstrator is anticipated to fly in 2020 following a comprehensive ground test campaign, provisionally on a BAe 146 flying testbed, with one of the aircraft’s four gas turbine engines replaced by a two-megawatt electric motor.

Provisions will be made to replace a second gas turbine with an electric motor once system maturity has been proven.

Paul Eremenko, Airbus’ Chief Technology Officer said:

“The E-Fan X is an important next step in our goal of making electric flight a reality in the foreseeable future.

The lessons we learned from a long history of electric flight demonstrators, starting with the Cri-Cri, including the e-Genius, E-Star, and culminating most recently with the E-Fan 1.2, as well as the fruits of the E-Aircraft Systems House collaboration with Siemens, will pave the way to a hybrid single-aisle commercial aircraft that is safe, efficient, and cost-effective,”

The E-Fan X demonstrator will explore the challenges of high-power propulsion systems, such as thermal effects, electric thrust management, altitude and dynamic effects on electric systems and electromagnetic compatibility issues.

As part of the E-Fan X programme, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens will each contribute with their extensive experience and know-how in their respective fields of expertise:

– Airbus will be responsible for overall integration as well as the control architecture of the hybrid-electric propulsion system and batteries, and its integration with flight controls.

– Rolls-Royce will be responsible for the turbo-shaft engine, two megawatt generator, and power electronics. Along with Airbus, Rolls-Royce will also work on the fan adaptation to the existing nacelle and the Siemens electric motor.

– Siemens will deliver the two megawatt electric motors and their power electronic control unit, as well as the inverter, DC/DC converter, and power distribution system.