Launchpoint receives US patent approval for Hybrid Power System

LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc has announced the grant of US Patent 11,738,875 B2 – their “game-changer” in the quest to advance electric flight.

Launchpoint’s patent approval features a power-dense, efficient, and reliable propulsion system for electric aircraft. This technology has wide-ranging applications for drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, increasing the number of hybrid electric power system offerings for aerial mobility applications.

The patented LaunchPoint Hybrid Power System (HPS) extends flight durations coveted by most aircraft missions and permits increased payload for extended missions. This system combines an internal combustion engine with LaunchPoint’s dual Halbach array generator and a small battery pack to power a distributed electric drive system. It also incorporates cutting-edge energy and power management software designed for a variety of aircraft missions. In essence, the LaunchPoint HPS increases system-specific power while reducing energy storage mass. Furthermore, it excels in managing variable voltage sources, functioning as a microgrid power manager to optimize energy resources for reliable and fault-tolerant flight.

Mike Ricci, Chief Technology Officer at LaunchPoint, emphasized that the LaunchPoint HPS has been developed over a decade to meet the safety and reliability requirements of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This innovative hybrid technology leverages energy-dense liquid fuel, surpassing traditional battery-only systems. It effectively extends the range and efficiency of electric aircraft, overcoming the inherent limitations of battery-only solutions.

Why it’s important: For the aerospace industry and the future of aerial mobility, this patent represents another offering in the hybrid powertrain space. LaunchPoint’s commitment to innovation and addressing the challenges of electric flight is evident in the Hybrid Power System, making it an exciting development for the sector. For those interested in learning more about LaunchPoint HPS, visit their website here. With advancements like the LaunchPoint HPS, OEMs now have higher value of choice and hybrid electric powertrains continue to become more prevalent in the aerial mobility industry.