Maeve to Collaborate on Hybrid-Electric Turboprop Design

Dutch sustainability marque Maeve announced a collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada for its M80 hybrid-electric regional aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney will lend their expertise in turboprop design and development, chipping in on the M80's next-generation engine system. On paper, the Maeve should boast a range around 1,200 nautical miles, while cutting fuel burn and emissions by "up to 40% relative to benchmark regional jets while cruising at comparable speeds and altitudes." Should all go as planned, Maeve expects to see its M80 enter service in 2032. The 80-passenger M80 should do well in the modern twin-turboprop commuter market, providing some green bonafides and lower operating costs for cash-strapped regional airlines.

“As a clean sheet design, the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will be a game changer for the regional aviation market, combining advanced aerodynamics and a disruptive propulsion technology,” said Martin Nuesseler, Chief Technology Officer, Maeve. “Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the programme will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology.”

“Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration across our industry,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, global sales and marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “It’s in this spirit that we will collaborate with Maeve, leveraging our growing expertise in sustainable propulsion technologies, as well as our unrivaled experience powering the regional aviation market for four decades.”

FMI: www.maeve.aero