Pratt & Whitney Hybrid System Proves Promising in Twin Otter Demonstrator

Raytheon’s hybrid-electric prototype managed to nail a recent power test, showing a full 1-megawatt output at full tilt in a promising development for sustainable flight.

The 1MW motor will be combined with a Pratt & Whitney engine, resulting in a combo that offers a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions over today’s regional commuter craft fleet. The electric generators in use today pale in comparison to the Collins equipment used on the RTX aircraft, offering about ¼ of the power with twice the heat loss and weight.

"With its industry-leading power density and efficiency, our 1MW motor will help to significantly reduce aircraft carbon emissions by supporting hybrid-electric propulsion architectures on the next generation of commercial platforms," said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. "As the motor's development continues apace, each milestone brings us one step closer to hybrid-electric flight and our industry's shared commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."

FMI: www.prattwhitney.com