For Homebuilt, Kit-Built, Very Light Aircraft Markets

VoltAero announced the launch of its HPU 210 aircraft powertrain, making the patented hybrid-electric propulsion available to propeller-driven aircraft in the homebuilt, kit-built, and very light aircraft categories.

The company displayed its HPU 210 Hybrid Power Unit for the first time at its exhibit at the France Air Expo in Lyon. The unit combines a high-performance thermal engine with an advanced electric motor to provide push-to-climb functionality with 40% more power, enabling more efficient, safer, and enhanced flight ops.

Jean Botti, CEO & Chief Technology Officer for VoltAero said, “With the HPU 210, a new category of airplanes will benefit from the patented, proven hybrid propulsion technology pioneered by VoltAero for our Cassio family of regional aircraft, which are now advancing into their pre-production phase. We’ve validated our hybrid propulsion architecture on our in-house Cassio S flying testbed, which has logged more than 185 flight hours and flown approximately 25,000 kilometers in a full range of operating conditions.”

The HPU 210 is equipped with the Kawasaki H2SX thermal engine that provides a maximum power output of 150kW, along with a 60-kW electric motor. The H2SX is derived from its use on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX sport motorcycle, and using its high performance, four-cylinder inline engine with fuel injection. It has an estimate TBO (time between overhaul) of 1,500 hours.

In the typical operating profile, the thermal engine provides baseline propulsion, while the electric motor kicks in during high-power demand situations. This results in shorter takeoff distances, improved obstacle clearance, and significantly higher cruise speeds.

The HPU 210 will be sold as a turnkey solution, with the kit including a complete powertrain unit that includes the thermal engine, electric motor, gearbox, and electronic control unit. The unit runs on standard avgas, biofuel, and standard unleaded auto gas. At cruise speed the HPU 210 burns about 10 gallons per hour (38 liters per hour).

FMI:  www.voltaero.aero/