GE Completes Hybrid-electric Powertrain Ground Tests

GE Aerospace has completed ground testing of a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system developed as part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project. The engine maker announced the milestone on June 2 and said it is now preparing for flight tests that will involve a converted Saab 340 twin turboprop regional airliner.

According to GE, the latest tests were the first that evaluated a fully integrated system that includes motor/generators it has developed, as well as controllers and power converters and inverters. The group’s Dowty and Avio Aero divisions, respectively, provided propellers plus a gearbox and a CT7 turboprop engine. The hardware also includes batteries supplied by BAE Systems, and Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences provided the nacelle.

The test campaign at GE’s Peebles Test Operation in Ohio simulated various flight phases, such as taxi, takeoff, climb, and cruise. The electric powertrain powered the propeller and generated power to the batteries.

For the latest phase of a testing program that has spanned more than a decade, GE used flight-worthy components with higher safety and reliability requirements in order to get closer to a commercial-grade hybrid-electric propulsion system. Last year, the company concluded earlier ground testing with a modified Passport business jet engine.

Powering Future Airliners

“Step by step, we’re proving hybrid-electric engine technology for next-generation commercial aircraft,” said GE Aerospace v-p for the future of flight Arjan Hegeman. “This latest ground test of a complete hybrid-electric powertrain positions GE Aerospace to have the technologies ready to meet customer needs for greater durability, efficiency, and range of future propulsion systems.”

GE has signaled its intention to apply hybrid-electric technology for propulsion applications using new fuels and also for new engine architectures like its Open Fan design. Building on its work with NASA—including the EPFD project for which it was contracted in 2021—the manufacturer is seeking to apply more-electric engine applications through the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program it is conducting through its CFM International joint venture with Safran. This is targeting 20% reductions in carbon emissions through improved fuel efficiency.

Last year, GE invested in electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies and launched a joint program to co-develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for advanced air mobility applications. Announcing the initiative in September, the partners said the new powertrain could be based on existing GE engines, such as the CT7 or T700.