Propulsion-electric

Wright Electric has begun building a test cell to characterize the performance of its megawatt-scale electric propulsion systems for large commercial aircraft.

ZeroAvia opened a manufacturing plant on April 24 in Everett, Washington, where it plans to produce fuel cells and electric aircraft components.

As it looks ahead to a first flight of its electric propulsion unit this year, UK startup Evolito has appointed an experienced aerospace executive as chief technology officer.

Electric trainer tested; design tools for hydrogen aircraft; uncrewed amphibian; turbine hybrid; and cargo eVTOL.

New drive systems combining hydrogen fuel cells and distributed electric propulsion can be costly to develop.

GKN Aerospace is nearing critical milestones in its H2Gear hydrogen-electric powertrain research and technology project after overcoming supply chain issues.

Scandinavian Seaplanes, Norway’s largest seaplane operator, has signed a strategic partnership with Dovetail Electric Aviation to electrify its fleet.

Electric Power Systems (EPS) has unveiled a new battery, the Electric Propulsion ion Core Ecosystem 2.0 (EPIC 2.0), that promises 90 min. of power for flight and 30 min. of reserve power.

Japan backs aircraft electrification; flying warehouse for delivery drones; certifying autonomous flight; silicon batteries for eVTOL.

The nondilutive financial support from Invest Victoria will support Dovetail’s development of electrified propulsion systems for regional aircraft.

Startup VerdeGo Aero says the slow pace of battery improvement leaves room for future hybrid-electric systems.

The company is studying hybrid-electric helicopters, continuing its electric certification drive and pushing Dash 7 conversion for NASA’s flight demonstrator.

Novel hydrogen storage; Solar Skydweller flies uncrewed; Avic’s large cargo UAV; and UK integrated electric ducted fan.

Demonstrators built under Clean Sky 2, the project’s predecessor, were exhibited at the annual forum as a source of motivation.

Rolls-Royce has begun bench tests of its first 320-kW electric motor demonstrator for potential regional aircraft applications.

Surf Air Mobility said it now expects to receive FAA certification for its electrified powertrains in 2027.

High-speed testbeds make progress; validating a digital twin; non-CO2 emissions road map; power-beamed UAV; SAF via bacteria.

While French innovators are making gradual progress in electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, they are looking for critical funding.

Certifying electric engines; Call for UK hydrogen funding; More eVTOLs for USAF; and the UK’s future flight road map.

Fuel systems for hydrogen; 3D printing on the Moon; LH2 tank breakthrough; the cost of avoiding contrails; and Velis Electro approved for training.

Batteries for 100-seaters; Daher advances thermoplastics; UK CAA explores hydrogen; MagLev for eVTOL; Beyond flies fuel cell.

After 35 years, Heli-Expo is transforming into a new, broader event to be called Verticon.

Ultraquiet propulsion developer Whisper Aero is proposing a concept for a 100-seat battery-electric regional airliner.

Spanish aerostructures and engine components supplier Aciturri is to acquire a stake in Dovetail Electric Aviation.

Sikorsky has unveiled the configuration of the Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator (HEX), a fully autonomous prototype to be developed with GE Aerospace, at Heli-Expo.