EVENDALE, Ohio – GE Aviation has selected BAE Systems to design, test and supply energy management components for GE’s recently announced megawatt (MW) class hybrid electric propulsion system in development.
For this demonstration program, BAE Systems will provide the battery and related cabling used to store electricity and drive the motor/generator GE Aviation is building, controlled by GE’s power electronics.
Previously, NASA and GE Aviation announced the launch of a new research partnership to demonstrate flight readiness of an integrated hybrid electric propulsion system for single-aisle commercial aircraft. Plans are to conduct ground and flight tests in the mid-2020s.
Through NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, GE will test hybrid electric configurations on a modified Saab 340B to help prove out the technology.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with BAE Systems on this demonstrator to advance energy storage systems at altitude,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president and general manager of engineering for GE Aviation. “GE Aviation is leading the development of hybrid electric technology for commercial aviation through this NASA collaboration. Energy management is an important component of our research program toward a more electric future of aviation with reduced carbon emissions and less reliance on fossil-based jet fuels.”
In addition to energy storage, BAE Systems will provide the high-integrity controls and cables for this demonstrator’s power management system, which will be tested on CT7-9B turboprop engines. The company will also leverage its investment in aircraft electrification and expertise in flight-critical systems to provide guidance for flight certification requirements.
“We are harnessing our expertise in energy management systems and flight critical controls to support the development of electric propulsion systems for the future of flight,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “This effort continues our longstanding relationship with GE.”
BAE Systems has over 25 years of experience developing and integrating electric propulsion systems for buses, boats, heavy-duty trucks, and military vehicles. The company also has more than 40 years of experience in controls and avionics for military and commercial aircraft. Work on this project will be conducted at BAE System’s state-of-the-art facility in Endicott, N.Y.
GE Aviation has been maturing components of high-power hybrid electric systems for more than a decade, including motors, generators, power convertors and power management systems. The electrification technologies GE Aviation is advancing are highly compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel and hydrogen, as well as advanced engine architectures such as the open fan and new compact engine core designs.
Hybrid electric propulsion technologies can save fuel and optimize engine performance, helping the aviation industry reach its commitment of net-zero CO2 emissions from flight by 2050.
Earlier this year, GE Aviation also announced it’s partnering with Boeing to support flight tests for the same hybrid electric demonstration program. Boeing and its subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences is providing GE Aviation with the aircraft, airplane modification, aircraft integration and flight-testing services. That work includes nacelle manufacturing, flight deck interface design and software, aircraft-level performance analysis, and systems integration.
ABOUT GE AVIATION
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.GEAviation.com. GE Aviation is committed to developing technologies to reduce CO2 emissions for the future of flight. Learn more here.
ABOUT BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems, Inc. and its 34,000 people are part of a global defense, aerospace and security company with 89,600 employees worldwide. We deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, sea and space, as well as advanced electronics, intelligence, security, and IT solutions and support services. Our dedication shows in everything we design, produce and deliver— to protect those who protect us in a high-performance, innovative culture. We push the limits of possibility to provide a critical advantage to our customers where it counts.
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For further information, contact:
Chelsey Levingston, GE Aviation
513.720.6458
[email protected]
Eric Peterson, BAE Systems
Mobile: 603-288-4082
[email protected]