Boeing and Cambridge University Build Hybrid Aircraft

Boeing and Cambridge University Build Hybrid Aircraft​

The advancement of Lithium-Ion batteries is making it's way into wings. A team of researchers from Boeing and Cambridge University have successfully tested a parallel hybrid engine capable of recharging during flight. The plane is a light, single-seat pusher, weighing 309 lbs. Its hybrid configuration uses upwards of 30 percent less fuel than a comparable reciprocating engine.

The engine is a 4-stroke Honda with a 10 kilowatt electric motor and generator, coupled to a drive pulley to spin the propeller. The electric motor can be switched into motor assist to minimize fuel consumption or switched into generator mode, allowing the lithium-ion polymer batteries in the plane's wings to recharge.

Obviously, take-off and climb-out requires the greatest power until cruising altitude is reached. At this point, the gas engine can be throttled back and the electric motor feathered in for the best cruise efficiency. In its current configuration, the technology simply isn't viable for any aircraft with a take-off weight greater than 1000 lb).

Boeing Aircraft's Marty Brady stated "Our mission is to keep our sights on finding innovative solutions and technologies that solve our industry's toughest challenges and continually improve environmental performance. Hybrid electric is one of several important elements of our research efforts, and we are learning more every day about the feasibility of these technologies and how they could be used in the future."