Tag: hybrid electric
VerdeGo Aero Optimizes Hybrid Propulsion System for Commercial Aviation
The VerdeGo Aero team has successfully performed the first test runs of their “Iron Bird” prototype diesel-hybrid (Jet A fuel) generator system in early August. Full-power testing is now underway to accelerate development of VTOL and CTOL electric aircraft utilizing VerdeGo’s high-performance hybrid-electric powertrain to perform demanding commercial missions. VerdeGo Aero has now successfully performed its initial series of tests...

VerdeGo Aero Optimizes Hybrid Propulsion System for Commercial Aviation

The VerdeGo Aero team has successfully performed the first test runs of their “Iron Bird” prototype diesel-hybrid (Jet A fuel) generator system in early August. Full-power testing is now underway to accelerate development of VTOL and CTOL electric aircraft utilizing VerdeGo’s high-performance hybrid-electric powertrain to perform demanding commercial missions.
VerdeGo Aero has now successfully performed its initial series of tests to validate the Iron Bird system at power output levels above 150KW. This ground-based development hardware, built around the certified Continental CD-265 high efficiency diesel aviation engine, is being used for testing to refine the weight, power output, cooling systems, and reliability of the conformal hybrid systems now being engineered for aerospace customers. The VerdeGo hybrid generator can be combined with battery packs to enable peak power output up to 0.5MW and modular twin generator systems can be stacked for 360KW continuous and 1MW peak output.
VerdeGo’s hybrid power systems are applicable to numerous next-generation electric aircraft markets including: vertical takeoff and landing urban air mobility vehicles (eVTOL), short takeoff and landing (eSTOL), and conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. Both passenger and cargo aircraft in manned and unmanned configurations are supported by VerdeGo’s hybrid powertrain. Their diesel-hybrid system runs on globally-available Jet-A fuel consuming around 40% less fuel than competing turbine-hybrid offerings, while providing between four and eight times the endurance of competing battery-only powertrains. Compatibility with Jet A also means the VerdeGo hybrid is compatible with the bio-Jet substitute fuels under development.

A visual of VerdeGo Aero’s integrated distribution electric propulsion (IDEP) system.
“Getting the Iron Bird running not only validates the operating economics of our diesel-hybrid power generation system, it also enables us to perform hardware-in-the-loop simulations using mission profiles from our airframe customers”, says David Eichstedt, Director of Advanced Concepts. “It’s a powerful way for customers to validate the economics of their aircraft designs value proposition using real powertrain hardware without leaving the ground.” For interested parties willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, VerdeGo is able to provide the equivalent of a traditional engine deck. This proprietary software utilizes data from the full-scale hardware testing and includes a hybrid simulation model for airframers to use that includes both the hybrid generator and the battery solution that goes with it.
Chief Executive Officer Eric Bartsch says, “VerdeGo Aero is positioned to offer the most efficient, most cost effective, low emissions hybrid system for demanding commercial aviation missions. Our Iron Bird is demonstrating the hardware platform that will power aircraft requiring up to 1MW of peak power using our highly efficient generator systems and world-class battery pack technologies.”
Why it’s important: VerdeGo’s hybrid systems provide significantly more mission capabilities than battery-packs while substantially reducing fuel consumption, emissions, operating cost, and noise when compared to turbine hybrids. The operational testing of VerdeGo’s Iron Bird is a significant step towards enabling its customers to create more competitive electric aircraft, and could provide new manufacturers with the necessary technology to commercialize aerial mobility services.
Source // VerdeGo Aero press release
United Technologies to Demo Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
What UTC’s Project 804 means for hybrid-electric propulsion. United Technologies Corporation – previously part of the conglomerate comprised of Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Rockwell Collins – has recently launched a new startup-like division. United Technologies Advanced Projects (UTAP) “moves at intense speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators, while simultaneously distilling UTC’s curious and...

United Technologies to Demo Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

What UTC’s Project 804 means for hybrid-electric propulsion.
United Technologies Corporation – previously part of the conglomerate comprised of Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Rockwell Collins – has recently launched a new startup-like division. United Technologies Advanced Projects (UTAP) “moves at intense speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators, while simultaneously distilling UTC’s curious and collaborative culture”, as put in a publication by the company earlier in March of this year. The paper outlined their new X-Plane demonstrator, and the company’s ambitions in progressing the future of hybrid-electric flight.
UTAP hopes to prove the economic viability of hybrid-electric propulsion by constructing and flying the demonstrator, called Project 804, in the next three years. The demonstrator will be a modified Bombardier Dash 8 Series -100 aircraft with the new propulsion system replacing one of the two megawatt-class engines. While the operating empty weight (OEW) of the aircraft is expected to increase, UTAP expects drastic gross weight savings due to decreased fuel consumption. Ultimately, they expect a total fuel savings of at least 30% during an hour-long mission.
UTC has experience in the electrification of aviation and strongly believes that hybrid and full-electric propulsion systems are becoming a viable engineering solution for modern aircraft. Rockwell Collins provided the Boeing 787, the “most electric airplane in the sky”, with its onboard electrical power system and successfully replaced systems which were previously powered by hydraulics or pneumatics. In the publication, UTAP addressed that full-electric propulsion is not yet applicable to regional or larger aircraft, but could very well be applied to VTOL air vehicles designed to transport 1-4 passengers distances of 200 km or less.

Source // United Technologies
As seen in the figure above, UTAP plans to operate the electric system only at high-output flight phases, namely at takeoff and climb. This method of propulsion system operation could also be a applicable to many vehicles in the urban air mobility industry. It would minimize the amount of fuel being burned at and near the ‘vertiports’ likely located in dense urban areas, and noise reductions could be seen due to the nature of electric-powered propulsion systems.
Why its important: “UTC is leveraging its full engine, electrical, and subsystems integration capabilities to open a new paradigm in aerospace propulsion.” The company’s Advanced Projects division is progressing the future of electric propulsion in aircraft and is likely to carry over to applications in the VTOL and urban air mobility industry.
Read UTAP’s latest publication on the Project 804 demonstrator here.
2019 Detroit Auto Show to Host Workhorse Group’s Surefly Octocopter Exhibition
The 2019 Detroit Auto Show, also known as the North American International Auto Show, provides a global stage for companies on the cutting edge of industry-shaping technology to debut brand-defining vehicles. It is one of the largest auto shows in the United States. The Workhorse Group tweeted on Tuesday December 18 to “get ready, Michigan because we’re bringing the #SureFly...

2019 Detroit Auto Show to Host Workhorse Group’s Surefly Octocopter Exhibition

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show, also known as the North American International Auto Show, provides a global stage for companies on the cutting edge of industry-shaping technology to debut brand-defining vehicles. It is one of the largest auto shows in the United States.
The Workhorse Group tweeted on Tuesday December 18 to “get ready, Michigan because we’re bringing the #SureFly to @NAIASDetroit January 14th-17th!” On those dates, the Automobili-D show will gather over 200 companies showcasing innovations on topics such as urban mobility, smart cities, building a mobility workforce, and autonomous technologies. From the NAIAS website, “Detroit is where future mobility innovations meet the pavement” – or in Surefly’s case, the skies.

Surefly’s 4 arms and 8 contra rotating props allow maximum airflow and lift, achieving a top speed of 80 miles per hour.
Workhorse articulates the Ohio-based technology company to be “focused on changing the way the world works by providing sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions. As an original equipment manufacturer, Workhorse designs and builds high performance battery-electric vehicles, including trucks, aircraft and drones.”
Given the Group’s strong rising presence in the automotive industry with the N-GEN and E-100 Vans, and W-15 Pickup, it is no surprise to see the team exhibiting their technology at the Detroit Auto Show in January of 2019. The Workhorse Group’s two-seat hybrid eVTOL octocopter is designed to be capable of passenger and cargo transit, as well as other applications such as first/emergency responders, military, agriculture, and more.

Safety is a top priority for Workhorse. Surefly is designed with a fully redundant system, a battery backup system that allows for 10 minutes of extended flight time, and a ballistic parachute located in the center of the arms for emergency landings.
To learn more about the specifications and features of the Workhorse Surefly, have a look at our Surefly Vehicle Page.
Why it’s important: This is an opportunity for Workhorse to showcase the Surefly’s technology and capability on a global stage. There is great potential to raise public awareness of the Urban Aviation industry and even increase consumer reservations for the Surefly.
Electrafly, Deseret Partner to Test Hybrid-Electric Multicopter in Utah
Electrafly, a self-funded aviation startup based in Utah, has announced plans to partner with Utah’s very own dedicated unmanned aircraft system test sight operator Deseret. Set to begin in 2019, flights over the FAA-sanctioned test area will work all the way up to forward flight of a single passenger. The aircraft, dubbed the Electraflyer, is a hybrid electric multi-copter, meaning...

Electrafly, Deseret Partner to Test Hybrid-Electric Multicopter in Utah

Electrafly, a self-funded aviation startup based in Utah, has announced plans to partner with Utah’s very own dedicated unmanned aircraft system test sight operator Deseret. Set to begin in 2019, flights over the FAA-sanctioned test area will work all the way up to forward flight of a single passenger. The aircraft, dubbed the Electraflyer, is a hybrid electric multi-copter, meaning it features the combination of a gas powered turbine and several electrically driven propellers. All-together the distributed propulsion system produces enough thrust to carry the 75 lb. airframe and a single person.

The electrafly prototype, with its four winged propeller arms, combines the best qualities of fixed wing and multicopter aircraft.
Deseret Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is a company dedicated to the advancement of drone related technology under development in Utah. Furthermore, it intends to attract new businesses to its home state. Tulinda Larsen, executive director of Deseret UAS believes “the biggest untapped resource in the U.S. and the world is our airspace”. Deseret currently has access to a smaller test facility, called the Xperience Center, and is working to secure larger FAA approved test sights throughout Utah.
ElectraFly’s founder and director of development John Manning is optimistic about the partnership with Deseret. “The work that Deseret UAS is doing is really a miracle for us in terms of how the timing is working out,” Manning said. “Having designated flight areas where FAA exemptions are in place is critical to us and the industry to making continued research progress.” Consistent effort is critical to new entrants in the rapidly growing urban air mobility market. In addition to the manned test flights with Deseret, Electrafly will pursue an initial application of its technology in unmanned package delivery.

Electrafly founder John Manning joins the wings to the center section of the prototype Electraflyer aircraft.
Why it’s Important: Test flights in designated areas will prove key in traversing the difficult regulatory landscaping that opposes urban air mobility startups. This partnership between Electrafly and Deseret UAS sets an example for how similar companies across the globe can prove their technology is safe and ready to launch.
Assen Aero Flight Tests A1 Hoverbike
Assen Aero successfully flight tested a prototype of their A1 Hoverbike. A video posted to Youtube earlier this week shows the bike flown remotely at low altitudes. This is the one of the first steps towards full scale technology demonstration, which may include Hoverbike races as early as next year. Assen Aero, based in South Florida, has been working on...

Assen Aero Flight Tests A1 Hoverbike

Assen Aero successfully flight tested a prototype of their A1 Hoverbike. A video posted to Youtube earlier this week shows the bike flown remotely at low altitudes.
This is the one of the first steps towards full scale technology demonstration, which may include Hoverbike races as early as next year. Assen Aero, based in South Florida, has been working on this aircraft for two and a half years and is confident they are on track to schedule.
The A1 is a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft combining a gas-driven piston engine and three ducted electrical fans for quiet lift. Focused on safety and reduced risk, the aircraft has a top speed of about 60 mph and can climb to an altitude of 4,000 ft. Assen’s CEO and founder justifies this moderate performance as a stepping stone for the emerging VTOL/air taxi technology. “We believe that the way to influence social acceptance is by removing the risk from the public and so we have focused on the leisure and extreme sport application as we believe these vehicles will blend more naturally into people’s lives in these roles” says Andonov.
Learn more about Assen Aero, the A1, and founder Assen Andonov in episode two of Flying Car Podcast here.
More information about the A1 can also be found on Assen Aero’s website or on our aircraft page.
Why it matters: Assen Aero is demonstrating confidence in their A1 prototype as excitement surrounding VTOL aircraft and Hoverbike racing grows. Flight tests depicted in their recent video show the design is progressing towards commercial readiness, planned for 2019.
Urban VTOL Carrier Quantum XYZ Orders Surefly Octocopters
Los Angeles based urban air taxi carrier Quantum XYZ has placed a pre-order for Workhorse SureFly hybrid-electric octocopters. Quantum XYZ plans to use the aircraft to be the first urban air VTOL service to market. Zeeshan Moha, Vice President and Chief Route Architect of Quantum XYZ told prnewswire.com, “We invite a future where safe, on-demand air travel is as ubiquitous as car...

Urban VTOL Carrier Quantum XYZ Orders Surefly Octocopters

Los Angeles based urban air taxi carrier Quantum XYZ has placed a pre-order for Workhorse SureFly hybrid-electric octocopters. Quantum XYZ plans to use the aircraft to be the first urban air VTOL service to market. Zeeshan Moha, Vice President and Chief Route Architect of Quantum XYZ told prnewswire.com, “We invite a future where safe, on-demand air travel is as ubiquitous as car service, a future in which aircrafts consume half the energy but generate twice the fun.” Quantum XYZ is currently pursuing FAA certification that will enable them to operate in the Los Angeles air space.
The Surefly octocopter is a futuristic design, featuring eight independent motors that drive eight carbon fiber propellers. With a hybrid-electric propulsion system, the aircraft has gas powered piston engines that provide power for its electric motors. It can carry two people, one pilot and one passenger, for a flight distance of about 70 miles or one hour. In case of emergency, the aircraft carries a backup battery power system and even a ballistic parachute for safe landing. This emphasis on safety will help with FAA certification of the aircraft, which the designer/manufacturer Workhorse is currently pursuing.
Surefly is one of many eVTOL multicopters that are eager to enter the air taxi market. Others, like Volocopter, are progressing rapidly towards certification, undergoing tests to demonstrate feasibility of operation. While the technology is reaching a mature point, certification of operation remains uncertain. There is no doubt that the future is exciting in this market.
Why it’s important: eVTOL air taxi service carrier Quantum XYZ has reached a point in their path to market entry where they are comfortable pre-ordering an aircraft for operation. The aircraft chosen was Workhorses Surefly, a hybrid-electric octocopter with exciting reliability that may lead to rapid certification.
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