GE Aerospace Runs High-Power Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System

Story Credit: Aerospace Testing International Web Team
The components used in the hybrid-electric propulsion system meet higher safety and reliability requirements than usual test hardware, GE
Image Credit: GE Aerospace
www.aerospacetestinginternational.com

GE Aerospace has completed testing a megawatt-class hybrid-electric turboprop engine, paving the way for flight tests in the coming months.

The successful test represents the first time a fully integrated version of the hybrid-electric propulsion system has been run.

To be used in large turboprop aircraft, such as the type used for regional flights that carry up to 90 people, hybrid-electric engines need to be capable of megawatt-power levels. For example, the P&W100 turboprop engine family, that is used by aircraft such as the ATR 42/ATR 72, is available in power outputs ranging from 1.3MW to 3.7MW.

The test campaign at GE Aerospace’s Peebles site in Ohio simulated different flight phases such as taxi, take-off, climb and cruise, during which the electric powertrain helped successfully power the propeller and generated power to the battery. The powertrain comprises motor/generators, power converters and inverters and controllers developed by GE Aerospace, as well as propellers and gearboxes from GE Aerospace subsidiaries Dowty and Avio Aero respectively.

The propulsion system is powered by a GE CT7 engine and uses batteries provided by BAE Systems. Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences supplied the nacelle.

The engine was developed and the test program run as part of NASA’s US$253m Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, which started in 2021 and finishes later this year.

Arjan Hegeman, vice president for future of flight, GE Aerospace said, “The ground test is a major turning point in our understanding of hybrid-electric powertrains for aviation and a fundamental building block for the future. Step by step, we are proving hybrid-electric engine technology for next-generation commercial aircraft.”

Hybrid-electric systems could also be used in new aircraft engine architectures like open fan, the configuration being developed for the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. RISE is being run by CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

In December 2025, GE engineers at Peebles successfully tested a Passport turbofan engine integrated into a hybrid-electric system, a setup that could be used in a narrowbody airliner. The test, which was part of the NASA HyTEC (Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core) project, extracted from and injected power into the Passport engine during testing.

… notes from SP

Visit
WWAEN.org
The #1 AAM, UAM, UAV & UAS Aerospace Career & Employment Network
Find Employment and Launch Your Career in AAM, UAM, UAV, UAS and Autonomous Aerospace worldwide

About The Author

EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck.
This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

(evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

See author's posts

EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

See Full Bio