In a momentous achievement for the aviation industry, Airbus's cutting-edge hybrid-electric aircraft, the EcoPulse, completed its inaugural flight, marking a crucial stride in the journey toward decarbonizing air travel.
Taking off from France's Tarbes Airport on November 29, the EcoPulse soared through the skies for approximately 100 minutes, demonstrating the efficacy of its hybrid propulsion system. The aircraft, a collaborative effort between Airbus, Daher, and Safran, is designed to reduce carbon emissions and minimize noise levels in aviation.
Equipped with six electric thrusters (e-Propellers) on its wings, each powered by a 50 kW electric Safran engine, the EcoPulse combines a turbogenerator and an 800 V battery pack supplied by Airbus. The advanced Power Distribution and Rectifier Unit (PDRU) safeguards the high-voltage network and manages power distribution.
Sabine Klauke, Airbus CTO, expressed pride in the milestone, stating, "This is a major milestone for our industry, and we’re proud to have powered the EcoPulse demonstrator’s first flight with our new battery systems."
The EcoPulse project, unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019, aims to accelerate progress in electric and hybrid-electric flight, contributing to the broader objective of decarbonizing the aerospace industry. The aircraft's acoustic monitors and an advanced flight control computer system further enhance its sustainability features.
As the EcoPulse continues its flight tests, the valuable insights gained will shape the technology roadmap, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly aircraft in the future.
Source: RobbReport