Tecnam announced this week that in December it conducted the first flight of a hybrid P2010 powered by Rotax and Rolls-Royce engines.
The P2010 H3PS is powered by a 140-hp Rotax 915 IS engine coupled with a 40-hp Rolls-Royce electric motor, giving the aircraft a total of 180 hp. The aircraft flew from Tecnam's headquarters at Capua, Italy.
"Though H3PS is not intended for market purposes, our successful flight tests demonstrate that hybrid powertrain, with combustion engine coupled with an electric motor, can bear the same useful load of the traditional 180-hp combustion engine,” said Tecnam R&D Director Fabio Russo
Tecnam says the flight of the H3PS (High Power High Scalability Aircraft Hybrid Powertrain) has validated the aircraft’s scalability potential, lower emissions and state-of-the-art power management technology, providing a launchpad for future green aircraft.
Tecnam’s Managing Director Giovanni Pascale Langer stated that the company will continue to focus on driving the green transition in aviation.
“Tecnam’s approach to innovation is truly sustainable,” said Pascale Langer. “Our development focuses on three key pillars: environmentally friendly, technologically viable and marketable solutions. We do this by leveraging our multi-generational expertise, research and development, next-generation technology, and strategic partnerships.”
“I look forward to seeing H3PS inspire more innovation and drive our industry forward with cleaner, more efficient technologies."
Rob Watson, President of Rolls-Royce Electrical said the flight would add to Rolls-Royce expertise in electric powertrains.
“The successful first flight of the P2010 H3PS demonstrator is a pioneering achievement by the team to advance hybrid-electric flight," he said. "Working with Tecnam and Rotax has been hugely beneficial, and this project has continued to build our capabilities in delivering all-electric and hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems for the advanced air mobility market.
"Rolls-Royce is committed to investing in the technology solutions to enable and deliver sustainable aviation.”
“We are very pleased that we could intensify our collaboration with Tecnam and Rolls-Royce within the H3PS project," said Michael Dopona, Head of design Organization BRP-Rotax.
"The tests showed that there are still challenges to take up, however due to the efforts of all three parties the test flight could be concluded with deeper understanding and of course with a safe landing.
"The project showed that the joint venture with the qualified knowledge of these three global player companies in aviation lead to very interesting and future-orientated results for innovative propulsion systems."
The H3PS program was funded under the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, with the flight approved by the Italian national aviation authority ENAC.