Ampaire, a pioneering force in hybrid electric aircraft systems, made aviation history on December 10, 2023, as its Electric EEL demonstrator completed an extraordinary 12-hour endurance flight in Camarillo, California, the company announced in a press release.
This accomplishment is a testament to Ampaire's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electrified flight, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of its hybrid electric propulsion system.
Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, "Through this groundbreaking mission, Ampaire has shattered the conventional boundaries of electrified flight, underscoring our relentless pursuit of transformative vehicle performance and commercial utility."
Record-breaking endurance
The Electric EEL aircraft's 12-hour flight not only surpassed previous records for hybrid electric aircraft endurance but also left spectators in awe with over 2 hours of fuel and battery reserves still available. The achievement reflects Ampaire's dedication to developing innovative solutions that deliver unparalleled operating economics and operational flexibility, catering to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
Ampaire's Electric EEL has been a key player in advancing high-powered electronics, inverters, motors, and associated systems. This aircraft has played a pivotal role in developing Ampaire's AMP-H570 AMP Driv hybrid electric propulsion unit, which is currently integrated into Ampaire's Eco Caravan.
This achievement comes at the end of a successful year for Ampaire, marked by consistently successful missions across diverse locations, including Canada, Alaska, Arizona, and California. The Electric EEL demonstrator's unwavering performance in various environments underscores its reliability and adaptability, positioning it as a frontrunner in the hybrid electric aircraft sector.
Ampaire's hybrid powertrain technology for aircraft represents a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. The Electric EEL demonstrator's ability to cut fuel consumption by 50-70 percent highlights the potential for hybrid systems in the air.
Unlike ground vehicles, where the benefits of regenerative braking are more pronounced, Ampaire's aircraft leverage a smaller, more efficient combustion engine with an electric assist for takeoff, landing, or rapid acceleration.
The Electric EEL'S unique powertrain configuration, with separate propellers for electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, enables regenerative air braking. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows for energy recovery during deceleration.
Looking to the future
Ampaire envisions the next generation of the Electric EEL with a parallel-series layout, allowing a combined hybrid engine system to power both the rear and nose propellers. This advancement will not only enable regenerative air braking but also facilitate in-flight charging of the battery using the gasoline engine.
This innovation is expected to provide increased operational flexibility, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Despite being in the demonstration phase, the Electric EEL has already proven its worth by burning significantly less fuel than traditional aircraft and reducing maintenance by an estimated 25-50 percent.
With the latest endurance record, Ampaire's hybrid electric aircraft is poised to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of range and endurance in the aviation industry, offering a potential transitional step towards a more sustainable future.
As the aviation sector strives to decarbonize, Ampaire's hybrid electric technology emerges as a promising solution, balancing fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The Electric EEL's remarkable achievements underscore the potential of hybrid propulsion as a critical player in the ongoing efforts to transform the aviation industry.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article