Airbus’s Innovative Hybrid Plane Takes Successful Flight Toward Decarbonization

Airbus’s groundbreaking hybrid aircraft, the EcoPulse, has achieved a significant milestone with its successful first flight test in hybrid-electric mode, signaling a crucial step in the aviation industry’s journey towards decarbonization.

The EcoPulse took off from France’s Tarbes Airport just after 10 a.m. on November 29 and completed a flight lasting approximately 100 minutes, as announced by Airbus on December 5. While the aircraft had previously undergone extensive ground tests and 10 hours of flight tests, this flight marked the first time the electrical systems were actively engaged, confirming the functionality of the hybrid propulsion system.

Sabine Klauke, Airbus’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “This is a major milestone for our industry, and we’re proud to have powered the EcoPulse demonstrator’s first flight with our new battery systems.”

Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the EcoPulse is a collaborative effort by Airbus, Daher, and Safran aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating noise pollution in aviation. Based on a Daher TBM aircraft, the EcoPulse is equipped with six electric thrusters, or e-Propellers, on its wings. Each e-Propeller is powered by a 50 kW electric engine from Safran.

The innovative propulsion system combines two power sources: a turbogenerator, an electric generator driven by a gas turbine provided by Safran, and an 800 V battery pack supplied by Airbus capable of delivering up to 350 kW. Additionally, a Power Distribution and Rectifier Unit (PDRU) safeguards the high-voltage network and distributes the available power.

The EcoPulse demonstrator is equipped with acoustic monitors to measure noise levels, enabling the development team to make refinements if necessary. Airbus has also developed an advanced flight control computer system that allows pilots to maneuver the aircraft using the e-Propellers.

Klauke emphasized the importance of high-energy density batteries in reducing carbon emissions in aviation and hailed projects like EcoPulse as instrumental in advancing electric and hybrid-electric flight technologies. These projects are essential in Airbus’s broader goal of decarbonizing the aerospace industry.

The insights gained from future flight tests will inform the team’s technology roadmap, facilitating the creation of more sustainable aircraft for the future, spanning from light aircraft to advanced air mobility and large hybrid-electric aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com