Raytheon Technologies Achieves Milestone in Hybrid-Electric Flight: Prioritizing Sustainable Aviation

RTX completed a successful rated power test for its one-megawatt electric motor in the hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program.

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The project aims to utilize a one-megawatt electric motor from Collins Aerospace and a highly efficient thermal engine from Pratt & Whitney to power the takeoff and ascent of a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 turboprop aircraft.

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The engineering of the 1MW motor is crucial to achieving the project's goals, including a four-fold increase in power output, double the voltage, and a 50% improvement in heat efficiency and weight reduction.

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Collins Aerospace is developing the 1MW motor at its Solihull facility and testing it at the University of Nottingham's Institute for Aerospace Technology.

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Testing of the hybrid-electric propulsion system, including the thermal engine and 1 MW motor, will continue throughout 2023.

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Upon completing the testing phase, the hybrid-electric system will be installed on a Dash 8-100 demonstrator aircraft for test flights starting in 2024.

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The European Union is keen on achieving a zero-emissions future in the aerospace industry, making the results of this hybrid-electric project a vital component of that initiative.

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The collaboration between Collins Aerospace, De Havilland Canada, Pratt & Whitney, and the Canadian government reflects their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability in aviation.

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