GE Aerospace, NASA Unveil Paint Scheme for Hybrid Electric Aircraft

GE Aerospace and NASA revealed the paint scheme for their hybrid electric demonstrator aircraft. [Courtesy: GE Aerospace]

GE Aerospace and NASA revealed the paint scheme for the hybrid electric aircraft that is set to fly as part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration, or EPFD project.

Under the program, GE Aerospace is developing a hybrid electric powertrain for ground and flight tests planned for the middle of this decade. Boeing and its subsidiary, Aurora Flight Sciences, are working with GE Aerospace to support the flight tests, which will feature a modified Saab 340B aircraft powered by GE’s CT7 engines.

READ MORE: GE Aviation to Partner with Boeing on Hybrid Electric Program

“GE Aerospace envisions a more electric future of flight. Our research collaborations with NASA continue to advance state-of-the-art propulsion systems with an important aim—to drive industry efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions compared to today’s aircraft engines,” said Arjan Hegeman, general manager of advanced technology for GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace has reached a number of milestones in developing hybrid electric propulsion. The company conducted a ground test in 2016 and last year completed its first test of a megawatt-class and multi-kilovolt hybrid electric power system in conditions that simulated commercial flight at altitudes up to 45,000 feet.

In May GE Aerospace said it plans to invest up to $20 million to enhance the Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center in Dayton, Ohio.

Aurora Flight Sciences Boeing Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration EPFD GE Aerospace NASA Saab 340B

Jonathan WelshAuthor

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4