Worldwide, over 280.000 General Aviation (GA) aircraft are in use (28.000 in Europe) and most aircraft in this engine-power class are operated several hours per day in commercial services. Our market research study showed that also the emerging civil market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is of very high interest for our power train solution. Combustion engines are designed for the maximum power needed for take-off and climbs (peak-loading), though in cruise flight only approx. 65 % of the power is required. The overall objective of the HyPoGA innovation project is to develop a superefficient, hybridized aircraft engine for mid-sized UAV and smaller GA aircraft by integration of a combustion engine and an electrical engine which will allow a fuel reduction of up to 30%.
Technically, all prerequisites are available and all components have been defined in the feasibility study including a combustion engine, the electrical motor, control software and controlled clutch. The key to a promising configuration is selection of efficient modules. Initial integration of modules has been assessed by computer aided design and has confirmed that a very competitive solution can be developed. It turned out that the main challenges for the full development are engine control including power split as well as power architecture including batteries and supercaps.
Economically, this project is heading towards a promising future because of the reduced fuel consump-tion. Further USPs in the UAV market are very long mission times (due to the fuel efficiency), inherent fail safe capabilities and options for silent operations (electric power only) for a limited time. Sizes and weights of airframes in the UAV market are driven by various factors from which it could be derived that this engine is positioned for maximum attraction in its upcoming growth period.
Strategically, this engine introduces new processes and technical solutions in such a way that each and every solution contributes to an convincing business case for initial introduction of such a hybrid engine while securing a positive foot print in the market place for future rollout of advanced electrical technology.
