Overview
Worldwide, over 280,000 General Aviation (GA) aircrafts are in use (28,000 in Europe) and most aircraft in this engine-power class (approx. 200 kW) are operated several hours per day in commercial services. The total operating costs are about 213 T€ per year.
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 200 kW aircraft engine by integration of a 140 kW combustion and a 60 kW electrical engine which will allow a fuel reduction of about 30% and a total cost reduction of 27% ~ 48 T€. This engine will be certified as a replacement unit according to EU and US aviation laws and regulations. The annual demand for replacement engines is ~3,000.
The additional weight of the electrical components (electrical engine, batteries) is counter played by the weight reduction of a smaller combustion engine and the fuel savings. The innovative power train will contribute significantly to reduced costs of operations and a massive reduction of CO2 emission. Furthermore, the electrical engine constitutes a back-up increasing the safety of aircraft operations (two engines instead of one). These aspects create a unique selling point and competitive advantage for potential customers.
The objectives of the feasibility study are:
- a market research study and analysis (SWOT-Analysis)
- a technological feasibility (e.g. final design definition)
- an economic and financial feasibility (including marketing strategy, certification, financial plan).
The results will be elaborated in a business plan.