A rendering of Maeve's proposed M80 hybrid-electric regional turboprop.
FARNBOROUGH—Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is working with Maeve on a propulsion system for the European startup's planned hybrid-electric regional turboprop for the 80-seat-class market.
“Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the program will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology,” Maeve CTO Martin Nuesseler said July 24 at Farnborough Airshow.
In the collaborative effort on the M80 aircraft, P&WC will leverage its four decades of experience in powering regional aircraft. It will also use its growing expertise in hybrid-electric technology, such as with the 1 megawatt electric motor demonstrator it has been progressing.
“Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration across our industry,” said Anthony Rossi, P&WC's vice president of global sales and marketing. “It’s in this spirit that we will collaborate with Maeve.”
Meanwhile, Maeve's development schedule is slipping to the right. Entry into service is now anticipated in 2032, instead of the 2030-31 timeframe announced on launch late last year. Specifications are evolving too, as the targeted range has increased to 1,200 nm, up from 800 nm.
The M80 is targeting the regional jet and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 replacement markets. The hybrid engine configuration combined with higher aerodynamic efficiency will lead to an estimated 40% lower fuel burn in cruise than the aircraft it is being designed to replace.
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