A new hybrid electric motor developed by the Hypstair project and trialled on a Pipistrel test aircraft was recently powered up for the first time at the factory in Ajdovscina, Slovenia.
Hypstair claims its 200kW motor is the most powerful hybrid electric powertrain developed for aviation to date, providing an equivalent amount of power to typical general aviation engines. The Hypstair drive motor is designed to deliver 200kW for take-off and 150kW in cruise. The motor can run electric-only using battery power, in generator-only mode, or as a hybrid combining the two power sources. A single lever will be used to operate the power plant and a panel-mounted display provides status and performance data.
For initial testing, a five-blade, low-rpm propeller has been attached and the first power-up tested all power modes at low and high power settings.
Pipistrel’s CEO, Ivo Boscarol said, “Project Hypstair represents a major step toward a hybrid aircraft and an opportunity for Pipistrel and other general aviation aircraft manufacturers.”
All the powertrain components were developed by Siemens. Frank Anton, head of e-aircraft at Siemens AG, said the electric drives are scalable and he expects electric propulsion will be available for larger aircraft in the future.
February 26, 2016
