VoltAero has unveiled its HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain for propeller-driven homebuilt, kit-built and very light aircraft categories.
The system is being displayed for the first time at the France Air Expo in Lyon.
The HPU 210 hybrid power unit combines a thermal engine with an electric motor to provide push-to-climb functionality that boosts power by 40%. This enables shorter takeoff distances, enhanced obstacle clearance and increased cruise speeds.
“With the HPU 210, a new category of airplanes will benefit from the patented, proven hybrid propulsion technology pioneered by VoltAero for our Cassio family of regional aircraft, which are now advancing into their pre-production phase,” said Jean Botti, CEO and chief technology officer of VoltAero.
The HPU 210 is equipped with Kawasaki’s H2SX thermal engine, which provides maximum power of 150kW, along with a 60kW electric motor. In typical operation, the thermal engine delivers baseline propulsive power, while the electric motor activates during high-power demand situations.
The supercharged H2SX is derived from its use on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX sport motorcycle, adapted for airplane applications. It features electronic fuel injection and has an estimated time between overhaul of 1,500 hours.
The hybrid-electric propulsion unit is controlled by a single throttle, with the thermal engine generating power from zero to 70%, and additional boost power delivered by the electric motor and its battery. With fuel consumption as low as 38 liters per hour at cruise settings, the HPU 210 runs on aviation gasoline, biofuel such as E85 ethanol-gasoline blend, and standard unleaded automotive fuel.
VoltAero has validated its hybrid propulsion architecture on its in-house Cassio S flying testbed, which has logged more than 185 flight hours and flown approximately 25,000 kilometers in various operating conditions.
The HPU 210 will be supplied as a turnkey solution, with the kit including a complete powertrain unit composed of the thermal engine, electric motor, gearbox and electronic control unit. A bench test campaign with the HPU 210 has been performed at VoltAero’s partner, AKIRA, in southern France.
VoltAero will initiate HPU 210 production at the company’s Rochefort Airport industrial facility in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, where its Cassio family of regional aircraft will also be assembled. Deliveries are targeted to begin in late 2026.
