15 February 2022
+VIDEO Italian manufacturer Tecnam Aircraft has made the first flight of its hybrid powered P2010 H3PS aircraft.
The maiden flight was actually on 21 December 2021 but has only today been made public by the company.
The hybrid powerplant has a 104kW Rotax 915iS internal combustion engine coupled with a Rolls-Royce 30kW electric motor. In total, there’s 134kW max power – about 180hp.
The flight was performed by Tecnam’s Chief Experimental Test Pilot Lorenzo De Stefano, with Tecnam, Rolls-Royce and Rotax Teams on the ground.
Tecnam Aircraft’s R&D director Fabio Russo said, “Though H3PS is not intended for market purposes, our successful flight tests demonstrate that hybrid powertrain, with combustion engine coupled with an electric motor, can bear the same useful load of the traditional 180hp combustion engine.”
H3PS stands for ‘High Power High Scalability Aircraft Hybrid Powertrain’ and is funded under the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
The 30 kW electric motor installed on the aircraft works as the starter-motor to start the combustion engine. During take-off and climb it is a thrust booster-motor adding extra torque to the propeller shaft. In the air, when the aircraft is cruising, it operates as a generator and converts the shaft movement into electric energy to re-charge the batteries.
As the electric motor contributes to the aircraft propulsion, the combustion engine can be reduced in size. For the Tecnam P2010, the 180hp standard engine has been replaced with a smaller engine with only 141hp. The reduction in engine size reduces fuel consumption and has further benefits. It also means the aircraft can go further on its existing fuel tank, and because the engine is always running at its optimal operating level it is more efficient and experiences less wear and tear, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and ultimately a lower cost of ownership.
Tecnam’s hybrid powered P2010. Photos: Tecnam
Tecnam managing director Giovanni Pascale Langer said, “Tecnam’s approach to innovation is truly sustainable.
“Our development focuses on three key pillars: environmentally friendly, technologically viable and marketable solutions. We do this by leveraging our multi-generational expertise, research and development, next-generation technology, and strategic partnerships.
“I look forward to seeing H3PS inspire more innovation and drive our industry forward with cleaner, more efficient technologies.”
The Rolls-Royce Electrical team in Hungary were responsible for the design, manufacturing, and installation of the complete electric propulsion system of the modified Tecnam P2010 aircraft. Comprehensive data was collected during the flight to optimise operation of the system.
Rob Watson, president of Rolls-Royce Electrical added, “The successful first flight of the P2010 H3PS demonstrator is a pioneering achievement by the team to advance hybrid-electric flight.
“Working with Tecnam and Rotax has been hugely beneficial, and this project has continued to build our capabilities in delivering all-electric and hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems for the advanced air mobility market. Rolls-Royce is committed to investing in the technology solutions to enable and deliver sustainable aviation.”
1 comment
i like the idea of that