Call It A Jolt For The Venerable 172

With 43,000 Skyhawks delivered by Cessna, you might think there's not a lot left to be done with one of the world's most recognizable airplanes.

But Cessna announced Monday that it is collaborating with Bye Energy, an integrator of clean, alternative energy technologies for business and general aviation aircraft, to design and develop an electric propulsion system for a Cessna 172 proof-of-concept (POC) aircraft.

Cessna’s Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton said, “As we look at the landscape of alternative fuels for general aviation aircraft, the electric power plant offers significant benefits, but there are significant challenges to get there. We believe Bye Energy has gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them.”

George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy Inc., thanked Cessna for its collaboration. “We are honored to work with Cessna in accomplishing the proof of concept endeavor. Cessna’s support of the electric and electric-hybrid program is vital to moving general aviation into the future,” he said.

Representatives from Bye Energy will be at the Cessna exhibit during EAA’s AirVenture on Thursday, July 29, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for one-on-one interviews.

First flight of the electric-powered Cessna 172 Skyhawk POC is expected to take place by year's end.

FMI: www.cessna.com, www.byeenergy.com