Synopsis:
The EcoPulse aircraft, a collaborative effort by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, achieved a historic milestone with its first successful hybrid-electric flight. Taking off from Tarbes Airport, the demonstrator showcased its revolutionary propulsion system during a 100-minute test flight, marking a pivotal moment in the aviation industry's pursuit of sustainable air travel.
Article:
In a groundbreaking feat for aviation, the EcoPulse aircraft, born from the collaboration of Daher, Safran, and Airbus, soared into the skies, marking its maiden hybrid-electric flight. Departing from Tarbes Airport on November 29, the demonstrator initiated a 100-minute test flight, activating its ePropellers and demonstrating the efficiency of its innovative propulsion system.
This achievement followed extensive ground tests and 10 hours of flight trials with inactive electrical systems. Beyond technological triumph, the flight signifies a promising shift towards sustainable air travel. Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief Technology Officer, declared, “We confirmed today that this disruptive propulsion system works in flight, which paves the way for more sustainable aviation.”
Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus, stressed the importance of projects like EcoPulse in the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts. The successful flight, powered by advanced battery systems, underscores the necessity of high-energy density batteries to reduce carbon emissions across various aviation sectors.
Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer at Daher, highlighted the invaluable data the flight campaign would provide, contributing to a deeper understanding of distributed propulsion, high-voltage batteries, and hybrid-electric propulsion. The collaborative effort aims to shape a future where aircraft are not only efficient but also environmentally conscious.
Unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show, EcoPulse stands as a testament to European collaboration in aviation decarbonization. Supported by CORAC and co-funded by DGAC through France Relance and NextGeneration EU, the demonstrator seeks to evaluate the operational advantages of hybrid-electric distributed propulsion, focusing on reducing CO2 emissions and noise levels. The architecture enables a single electrical source to power multiple engines distributed throughout the aircraft, introducing a paradigm shift in aircraft propulsion.
Based on a Daher TBM aircraft platform, EcoPulse boasts six integrated electric thrusters distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates a turbogenerator driven by a gas turbine and a high-energy density battery pack, forming a cohesive and sustainable power source. Airbus' 800 Volts DC battery pack, capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts of power, plays a pivotal role in the aircraft's innovative design.
As EcoPulse charts the skies with its revolutionary hybrid-electric technology, the aviation industry witnesses a significant stride towards cleaner, more eco-friendly air travel. The collaborative venture emphasizes not just technological innovation but a shared commitment to a more sustainable and responsible aviation future.
Conclusion:
The successful EcoPulse flight marks a historic leap towards greener aviation. With a revolutionary hybrid-electric propulsion system, this collaborative effort by Daher, Safran, and Airbus showcases the potential for sustainable air travel. The industry not only celebrates technological advancement but also embraces a shared commitment to a more eco-friendly aviation future.
