Hybrid electric plane sets record for 12-hour continuous flight

The US Electric EEL aircraft traveled more than 2,200 km above the California sky and landed with more than 2 hours of fuel and battery reserve left.

Electric EEL hybrid electric aircraft sets 12-hour flight record. Photo: Ampaire — Electric EEL hybrid electric aircraft sets 12-hour flight record. Photo: *Ampaire*

American startup Ampaire reached an impressive milestone when its Electric EEL demonstrator aircraft completed a 12-hour endurance flight in Camarillo, California, on December 10. Ampaire said the flight surpassed previous records for flight duration for hybrid electric aircraft - hybrid aircraft that use a combination of electricity and fuel. In addition, Electric EEL also surprised onlookers by still having more than 2 hours of fuel and battery reserve. The vehicle flew about 2,213 km during the journey, which included simple loops above Camarillo Airport.

The potential for hybrid vehicles in the air could be almost as great as hybrid vehicles on the ground. Ampaire says the first-generation smart hybrid powertrain in the Electric Eel demonstrator aircraft reduces fuel consumption by 50% to 70%.

Unlike ground vehicles, where the benefits of regenerative braking are more apparent, Ampaire’s aircraft uses smaller, more efficient internal combustion engines with electric assistance for takeoffs, landings, or rapid acceleration. Electric EEL’s unique powertrain configuration, with separate propellers for the electric drivetrain and internal combustion engines, makes regenerative air braking possible. This not only increases efficiency, but also helps recover energy during deceleration.

Ampaire envisions the next generation of Electric EEL to allow the hybrid propulsion system to power both the rear and nose propellers. This would allow the batteries to be recharged in flight using the gasoline engine. This innovation is expected to increase operational flexibility, reducing the need for frequent recharging.

While still in the demonstration and validation phase, the Electric EEL has already proven its worth by burning significantly less fuel than conventional aircraft and reducing maintenance costs by 25% - 50%. With its latest record-breaking flight duration, Ampaire’s hybrid electric aircraft is poised to contribute to addressing the challenges of range and flight duration in the aviation industry, moving towards a more sustainable future.

Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering )

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