3 December 2020
+VIDEO The Swiss electric powertrain project for aircraft, H55, has secured CHF 20 million (£17m) from investors to expand its operations and engineering team to achieve certification from EASA – planned for 2021.
H55 will also certify its patented propulsion and modular battery system. The first user is likely to be Czech manufacturer Bristell which is planning to type certify its Energic Flight Trainer powered by the 100kW H55 powertrain to EASA CS-23 standard in 2022.
H55’s co-founder and executive chairman, André Borschberg, said “This is yet another key step in making H55 a leading player in clean aviation solutions.
“Starting by making flight trainers electric, our roadmap includes more complex propulsion systems destined for 4-6 seaters and then to commuter airplanes and VTOL aircrafts.
“We plan to partner with leading electric powered aircraft pioneers to enable them to bring certified aircraft to market sooner. We now have a solid group of investors which will provide invaluable support in growing our company.”
H55’s electric propulsion system. Images & video: H55
H55 is concentrating on the entire propulsion chain, starting from the energy source and its management, through thrust and power, to pilot interface and control systems. H55 has now developed a certifiable modular battery system which can be used in any new electric aircraft concepts and designs.
Fast Facts
Bristell Energic Flight Trainer
EASA CS-23 certification by mid-2022
Payload: 190 kg
MTOW: 850 kg
Climb Rate: 800 ft/min
Electric energy cost: $US 7.00/hour
Charging time for normal operations: 1 hour
