Image

Hybrid aircraft proves gas/electric flight is practical

Nov. 8, 2013
Hybrid aircraft proves gas/electric flight is practical
The DA36 E-Star flew for over an hour on its maiden flight.

Aerospace engineers at Siemens, Boca Raton, Fla., EADS, Herndon, Va., and Diamond Aircraft, London, Ont., Canada, are field-testing the DA36 E-Star, a plane that is a stepping-stone between gas power and a pure electric vehicle. The E-Star is the first aircraft to use electric power from a generator driven by a small gas engine. The two-seat, prop-driven plane’s serial-electric hybrid drive lets the aircraft take off quietly and cuts fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25%.

The DA36 E-Star’s motor generates around five times as much output per pound as conventional aviation drives.

The plane carries a relatively small Wankel rotary engine from Austro Engines, Germany. It spins a generator, which, in turn, powers a 70-kW electric motor that turns the prop. The 28.5-lb motor gets additional electricity for taking off and climbing from a battery. The battery recharges during cruising. Overall, the plane uses 80 kW of power on takeoff and 65 kW during cruise. A new Siemens drivetrain cuts the airplane’s weight by 220 lb, which significantly extends its range.

The technology in the plane is scalable, according to Siemens, and it will soon be used in small aircraft and then commercial planes carrying 50 to 100 passengers.

Resources:

Diamond Aircraft

EADS

Siemens

Sponsored Recommendations

7 Reasons Why Air Bearings Outperform Mechanical Bearings

Feb. 7, 2025
Frictionless air bearings and air bearing stages have decisive advantages in precision motion and automation applications.

Hexapod Robot Applications in Automation and Automotive Assembly

Feb. 7, 2025
Hexapod 6-DOF Robots in Automation and Automotive Assembly | 6-Axis Precision Parallel Robot | Cobot for High Precision Applications

What is a Difference between a Gantry Positioning System and a Split-Bridge?

Feb. 7, 2025
The design of a Gantry Positioning System and Split-Bridge Positioning system are related. Learn how they differ and what to use best for your application.

Application Solutions with 6-Axis Hexapod Positioning Systems

Feb. 7, 2025
Explore applications, articles, and background information on 6-Axis Hexapod Positioning Systems and how they can help you improve your alignment system.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!