Thu, Oct 06, 2011
AS350 Flies Using A Combination Of An Internal Combustion
Engine And An Electric Motor
Eurocopter has successfully tested a hybrid helicopter that
combines a turboshaft internal combustion engine with an electric
motor, using the supplemental electric system to increase
maneuverability of a single-engine helicopter during an
autorotation landing - which is performed by helicopters in the
event of a main engine failure.
The demonstrator helicopter is a production version of
Eurocopter's highly successful light single-engine AS350, which has
been equipped with a supplementary electric motor. In the event of
an engine failure, the electric motor provides power to the rotor,
allowing a pilot to control the helicopter very easily during the
descent to a safe touchdown. The next step is to bring this concept
to maturity and evaluate its implementation on Eurocopter's series
production helicopters.
"Eurocopter's research and development efforts are used every
day to push the frontiers by increasing helicopter safety and
performance for the benefit of our customers, and we are proud to
have brought the first helicopter equipped with an internal
combustion engine and electric propulsion system to flight," said
Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter President and CEO. "Hybrid propulsion is
an important element of Eurocopter's innovation roadmap in
developing the next generation of helicopters. It offers new
opportunities for improvements in safety, along with the potential
for reducing fuel consumption and emissions."
The AS350 hybrid demonstrator has its highly compact electric
motor and lithium ion polymer battery installed in the center area
of the helicopter. Electronic controls enable precise deployment of
power delivered by the electric motor during the period of
autorotation.
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