Articles tagged with "hybrid-propulsion"
China’s YH-1000S autonomous cargo aircraft completes first flight
China’s YH-1000S, a hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), completed its first flight in Chongqing Municipality. This new iteration targets global markets and builds on the home-market YH-1000, which first flew in May 2025. Both models are capable of extremely short takeoffs and landings, enabling cargo deployment in remote or difficult-to-access areas. The YH-1000S features a high-power hybrid propulsion system that reduces runway requirements, allowing it to operate from secondary roads, dirt runways, grassy fields, and with optional float or ski kits, even water and snowy terrain. It has a range of 1,500 kilometers and can carry up to 1,200 kg of cargo, with flexible loading and unloading options. Designed for medium-altitude unmanned logistics, the YH-1000 series supports international logistics, disaster response, ocean monitoring, maritime supervision, and weather modification. The project
robotautonomous-aircrafthybrid-propulsionunmanned-cargo-dronelogistics-technologyaerospace-innovationdrone-deliveryNew hybrid drone propulsion system aims to extend range, endurance
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has entered a 10-year agreement with Lowental Hybrid Ltd. to equip its tactical drones with Lowental’s Native Parallel Hybrid propulsion systems. This collaboration aims to increase drone mission endurance by five times, enabling significantly longer flight durations while maintaining silent electric operation crucial for covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The hybrid system allows seamless switching between electric and combustion power modes, supports continuous in-flight battery charging, and reduces reliance on ground battery logistics. It also complies with NATO standards for electric stealth and military-grade reliability, leveraging Israeli-developed technology to ensure supply-chain independence and adherence to defense export regulations. The initial phase of the deal, valued at approximately $1.4 million, covers development, procurement, and service, with expectations of substantial multi-year revenue from further system deployments and support. Lowental Hybrid will provide ongoing engineering and integration assistance to enable Elbit Systems to incorporate the hybrid propulsion technology across multiple UAV platforms. Founded in 2018, Lowental Hybrid specializes
robotdronehybrid-propulsionUAVenergy-efficiencyelectric-propulsionmilitary-technologyChina's homegrown 1,200 kW turboprop engine passes ignition test
China has successfully completed the ignition test of its domestically developed 1,200-kilowatt-class turboprop engine, the ATP120A, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. Developed by Harbin Dongan Civil Aviation Engine Co, a subsidiary of the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), this milestone marks a significant step toward China’s goal of aviation self-reliance. The engine demonstrated stable ground operation at -30°C and is designed for low fuel consumption, extended service life, and reduced costs. It is adaptable to extreme environments, including high-altitude cold regions and hot, humid island climates, with potential applications in general aviation, drones, and emerging propulsion technologies like hydrogen and hybrid systems. This development aligns with China’s broader ambitions to reduce dependence on foreign aerospace technology, particularly in commercial aviation. While China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has made strides with aircraft like the ARJ21 and C919—both currently powered by foreign engines—ind
energyaviation-technologyturboprop-engineaerospace-engineeringindigenous-technologyhybrid-propulsionaircraft-enginesVideo: US Marines test electric seaglider in first real-world rescue mission
REGENT Craft, a Rhode Island-based company, has successfully demonstrated its Seaglider maritime aircraft in real-world rescue missions with the US Marine Corps, validating its potential for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) in challenging coastal environments. The Marine Corps tested the Seaglider prototype across three scenarios: loading a non-ambulatory patient from a dock, extracting an injured person from a beach, and recovering a life raft in rough seas. The craft’s ability to rapidly switch between high-speed flight and low-speed sea operations allows it to reach casualties quickly, board them directly from the water, and depart without specialized infrastructure, addressing limitations faced by traditional rescue platforms like helicopters and boats. The Seaglider operates in three modes—hullborne vessel, hydrofoil, and wing-in-ground-effect aircraft—enabling efficient, high-speed travel close to the sea surface. The military variant, called the Viceroy, is expected to cruise at speeds up to 160 knots (about 180 mph), carry
energyelectric-vehiclesmaritime-technologyhybrid-propulsionmilitary-technologyrescue-operationsaerodynamicsSilent wings: Top 10 electric planes promising fast, quiet journeys
The article "Silent wings: Top 10 electric planes promising fast, quiet journeys" highlights the significant advancements in electric aviation as of 2025, showcasing how electric aircraft are transitioning from experimental prototypes to production-ready models. Driven by improvements in battery technology, lightweight materials, and hybrid propulsion, these aircraft offer cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight options. The article profiles leading electric planes that exemplify this shift, including the Pipistrel Velis Electro—the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft used primarily for flight training with zero emissions and ultra-quiet operation. Another key model is the Eviation Alice, an all-electric passenger plane designed for regional travel with a nine-passenger capacity and a cruise speed of 253 mph, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. Other notable aircraft include NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, which, although its program ended in 2024, contributed valuable research on distributed electric propulsion aimed at drastically improving cruise efficiency. Sweden’s Heart Aerospace ES-30 offers a hybrid-electric solution for
energyelectric-aircraftaviation-technologybattery-technologyhybrid-propulsionsustainable-aviationlightweight-materials7 most remarkable flying cars turning science fiction into reality
The article highlights seven cutting-edge flying cars that are transforming the long-held dream of flying vehicles into tangible reality as of 2025. These vehicles combine automotive and aviation technologies, allowing them to operate both on roads and in the air with varying degrees of speed, range, and functionality. Notably, the Alef Model A is the first flying car to receive an FAA special airworthiness certificate, featuring electric VTOL capabilities, a 200-mile driving range, and the ability to park in standard spots. Other standout models include the PAL-V Liberty, a gyroplane-based flying car with a 1,300 km driving range and 500 km flying range, and the Klein Vision AirCar, which transforms from car to airplane in under two minutes and boasts over 170 flight hours of testing. Additional vehicles such as the Samson Sky Switchblade offer a more accessible price point around $170,000, featuring hybrid propulsion and speeds up to 305 km/hr in flight. The AeroMobil 5.
robotflying-carselectric-VTOLhybrid-propulsionaviation-technologyautonomous-vehiclesaerospace-engineeringFrench firm's drone boat autonomously completes 1,100-mile-long voyage
A French company, Exail, has successfully completed an unprecedented autonomous maritime voyage with its uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), the DriX O-16. The 52-foot vessel traveled 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km) from La Ciotat, France, to Troia, Portugal, crossing the busy Strait of Gibraltar in six days without any port stops. Operated under supervised autonomy from Exail’s Remote Operation Center, the mission demonstrated the USV’s endurance, situational awareness, and reliable decision-making in dense maritime traffic, marking a significant milestone in large USV operational capability. The DriX O-16 is designed for long-range missions, capable of up to 30 days of autonomous operation with a range of 3,500 nautical miles. It features a dual hybrid propulsion system combining electric and diesel power to ensure energy efficiency, operational safety, and extended endurance. During the voyage, the vessel also conducted seabed mapping using a Kongs
robotautonomous-vehicleunmanned-surface-vehiclehybrid-propulsionmaritime-droneremote-operationenergy-efficiencyGermany's icebreaker to get largest ever 360-degree propulsion system
Germany’s research icebreaker Polarstern is undergoing a significant upgrade featuring the largest-ever 360-degree azimuth propulsion system to enhance its polar exploration capabilities sustainably. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the new propulsion setup includes two massive 160 PULL ARC LM azimuth thrusters with 4.8-meter diameter blades, each generating nine megawatts of power. Complementing these rotating propellers is a 5.4-meter five-bladed fixed pitch stainless steel propeller, creating a dual-mode propulsion system that balances powerful icebreaking with precise maneuverability. This advanced system is developed through a collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institute, shipbuilder TKMS, and Finnish companies Wärtsilä, Steerprop, and Aker Arctic. The vessel’s propulsion will be powered by Wärtsilä main engines capable of producing 33.1 megawatts of diesel-electric power, with two engines featuring dual-fuel capability to run on both diesel and green meth
energyhybrid-propulsiongreen-methanolazimuth-propulsion-systemicebreaker-technologymarine-engineeringsustainable-shippingUS' 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system passes first flight test
Firehawk Aerospace, a Texas-based company, has successfully completed the first flight test of its 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system, called the GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), under a Phase III SBIR contract with the U.S. Army Applications Laboratory (AAL). The test demonstrated the system’s directional stability and thrust performance, achieving a vertical ascent exceeding 18,000 feet and breaking the speed of sound. This milestone highlights the advantages of hybrid propulsion combined with advanced additive manufacturing, including adaptability, affordability, and rapid production capabilities. The GFA test is the initial flight demonstration in a series under the AAL contract, with upcoming tests planned for Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs designed as drop-in replacements for existing solid rocket motors in Department of Defense weapon systems. Firehawk emphasizes that their approach drastically reduces production cycles from weeks to hours and supports mobile manufacturing, enhancing force sustainment and ensuring a resilient, U.S.-controlled supply chain for critical energet
energyrocket-engineshybrid-propulsionadditive-manufacturingaerospace-technologydefense-technology3D-printingWorld’s first inland solar ship to glide on sun power with 192 panels
The Blue Marlin is the world’s first hybrid solar-powered inland cargo vessel, developed through a partnership between Dutch solar innovator Wattlab and German shipping company HGK Shipping. Officially launched in Hamburg on July 3, 2025, the ship features 192 solar panels generating up to 37,500 kWh annually, directly powering its propulsion system alongside a diesel-electric “Future Fuel Ready” engine. Designed for shallow-water operations with a draft of just 1.10 meters, the 86-meter-long vessel can transport bulk goods, primarily for steel producer Salzgitter AG, and includes advanced features like remote-controlled navigation and modular connectivity for push barges carrying up to 3,110 tons. The Blue Marlin’s solar energy system integrates an automated energy management system that optimizes power distribution, reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions by approximately 36,000 kilograms annually. This hybrid setup also enables “peak shaving” to lower electricity demand during peak periods. The project represents
energysolar-powerhybrid-propulsioninland-shippingclean-energyrenewable-energyenergy-management-systemWhy The Maersk Institute Was Right About Ship Batteries But Wrong On Price - CleanTechnica
The Maersk McKinney Møller Center’s report on battery-powered vessels provides a valuable and accurate assessment of battery-hybrid propulsion as a critical tool for decarbonizing shipping. It correctly highlights the efficiency advantages of batteries over internal combustion engines and the potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution through partial electrification. These insights align well with emerging market trends and the growing importance of hybrid systems in maritime transport. However, the report’s economic analysis is undermined by outdated assumptions about battery costs. The Maersk study used battery prices of $200–$300 per kWh, concluding that battery-hybrid vessels would only break even under ideal conditions or with strong policy support, especially for deep-sea and medium-range routes. In contrast, real-world auction prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems in China have plummeted to around $51 per kWh as of mid-2025, dramatically improving the economics of maritime battery hybrids. LFP
energybattery-technologymaritime-electrificationlithium-iron-phosphate-batteriesshipping-decarbonizationenergy-storage-systemshybrid-propulsionFrench shipyard floats out world's largest luxury sail yacht cruise
The Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest luxury sail yacht cruise ship, recently floated out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, marking its official debut on the water. Weighing 26,200 gross tons and measuring 727 feet (220 meters) in length, the vessel is a joint project between the famed Orient Express train service and French hospitality group Accor. Designed to accommodate 110 passengers in 54 suites, the yacht will sail through the French and Italian Rivieras, Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, before crossing the Atlantic to spend winters in the Caribbean. Its maiden voyage is scheduled for mid-2026, following construction that began in March 2024. The ship features innovative and sustainable technologies, including three balestron rigs with pivoting and tilting masts that carry over 16,000 square feet of sail each, enabling it to operate primarily on renewable wind power. A hybrid propulsion system using liqu
energyrenewable-energyhybrid-propulsionAI-powered-detectionmaritime-technologyballast-water-treatmentdynamic-positioningAIR ONE’s electric air taxi races toward first piloted flight by 2026
EDAG Group and AIR have formalized their partnership through a letter of intent to jointly develop and manufacture the AIR ONE electric air taxi, building on two years of collaboration. EDAG is responsible for producing key structural components, including folding wings, engine arms, and a modular cabin that can be reconfigured for passengers or cargo. The AIR ONE is designed in multiple variants, with a fully electric model offering about one hour of flight time and a payload capacity of 250 kilograms, while a hybrid version could extend the range up to 450 kilometers. Currently in assembly and testing, the AIR ONE features a compact design with a wingspan of 7 meters and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It boasts fast charging capabilities, reaching full charge in about one hour and 20%-80% charge in half that time, minimizing downtime. The cargo variant provides 70 cubic feet of space for transporting equipment such as pallets or stretchers. The $150,000 passenger edition has sold
electric-aircrafteVTOLenergy-storagehybrid-propulsionbattery-technologyelectric-mobilityaerospace-materials60-feet long solar-electric catamaran with 800-mile-range sets sail
Revolution Marine Group, a Florida-based company, has unveiled its latest 60-foot solar-electric catamaran, the Oceanwalker S60e, targeting the growing market for eco-friendly yachts. This model features a sleek dual-hull design powered by twin 150 kW (200 hp) electric motors and supported by a 10 kW solar array that powers onboard amenities such as air-conditioning and electric cooking. While the exact electric-only range is undisclosed, the yacht includes two 45 kW diesel generators that extend its total range up to 800 nautical miles, providing flexibility for longer voyages. The yacht also offers customizable interior layouts with three or four cabins, catering to private owners and luxury charters. Construction of the first Oceanwalker S60e is underway at the Fujian Sky Walker shipyard in China, with delivery expected by April 2026. The vessel’s first home will be Club Ki’ama Bahamas, an exclusive solar-powered yacht and residence club on Elizabeth Island. Club Ki’ama’s management praised the yacht as a perfect complement to their sustainable oceanfront community. Revolution Marine’s CEO Edward Sacks emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and quality, hinting at future larger models in the Oceanwalker lineup, signaling ongoing advancements in sustainable marine technology.
energysolar-powerelectric-yachthybrid-propulsionsustainable-technologylithium-batteriesmarine-energy-systemsUK firm debuts world’s longest-range drone ship with 8,500-mile reach
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vesselshybrid-propulsionmaritime-technologyunmanned-systems