RTX's hybrid-electric plane inches closer to fuel-efficient aviation

RTX has achieved a significant milestone in its hybrid-electric propulsion project by successfully operating its engine and battery system at full power for the first time. The company aims to improve fuel efficiency by 30 percent compared to current advanced regional turboprops through its Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator. This system combines a Pratt & Whitney Canada thermal engine, a 1-megawatt electric motor from Collins Aerospace, and a 200-kilowatt-hour battery from Swiss startup H55. The hybrid setup uses the thermal engine for cruise phases while the electric motor assists during taxi, takeoff, and climb, drawing power from the batteries. RTX plans to install this system on a modified De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 for flight testing. The project addresses key challenges such as battery weight and high-voltage management by employing advanced materials, wide band-gap semiconductors, and high-density magnets to maximize power density while minimizing weight. High-voltage operation, which surpasses current aviation standards, poses risks