GE achieves a world first, testing hybrid electric components in altitude conditions

GE has achieved a world-first, as it announced its success with the test of a megawatt and multi kilovolt hybrid electric propulsion system in altitude conditions – 45,000ft – that simulate single-aisle aircraft. This means that the programme can move on to flight testing in the next few years.

Speaking at the Farnborough Airshow press briefing, Steve McCarthy, Director of aeronautics at NASA’s Glenn Research Centre in Ohio said, “The NASA and GE partnership is really paving the way for the leadership of electrification megawatt class commercial transport, the single aisle aircraft, really the biggest contributor to aviation nations. That’s why NASA Aeronautics is partnering with GE to enable that next generation of single aisle aircraft.”

The altitude integration test began back in June 2021, and was completed in NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed facility in Ohio. The components were tested independently and as an integrated system. Multiple operational modes were also evaluated, as well as power transfer from side to side, power assist to a simulated engine, and aircraft power generation. The implementation of energy storage was also simulated.

“We’re making aviation history by developing the technology to help make hybrid electric flight possible for everyday commercial air travel,” commented Mohamed Ali, vice president and general manager of engineering for GE Aerospace.