Showing posts with label Wright Electric. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wright Electric. Show all posts

20 November, 2023

Wright Electric and CT Axter Aerospace successfully complete maiden flight of 800 kW hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft

Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace, leading innovators in electric aircraft technology,
are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the maiden flights of their hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft, boasting 800 kW of combined shaft horsepower. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the companies’ commitment to revolutionizing the aviation industry and reducing its environmental footprint. Wright also announced that its industry-leading electric propulsion unit has achieved 1.2 megawatts (MW) of peak shaft horsepower and 1.1 MW continuous power output.

The hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft is the result of a collaborative effort between Wright Electric and its Spanish partner, Axter Aerospace. As they work together to refine the hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft, they are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible aerial agricultural and skydiving operations.

Key Highlights of the Hybrid-Electric Crop Duster Aircraft:


- 800 kW of Shaft Horsepower: The aircraft features a powerful electric propulsion system with 800 kW of combined shaft horsepower between the turbine engine and electric motor, offering unprecedented performance in the crop dusting industry.

- Environmentally Friendly: By leveraging electric propulsion, this aircraft significantly reduces emissions, ensuring a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional crop dusters.

- Comprehensive Sub-Component Testing: The test aircraft will be used to evaluate and refine critical sub-components such as inverters, motors, and batteries, advancing the technology and reliability of electric aviation systems.

Key Highlights of the Electric Propulsion Unit:

- 2 MW Electric Propulsion Unit: Designed to decarbonize the regional jet and large turboprop sectors.

- 10 kW/kg Power Density: Industry leading compact size and light weight.

- Tested to 1.2 MW: Building on Wright’s announcement of achieving 1 MW at the Paris Air Show in June, now Wright has achieved 1.2 MW peak output and 1.1 MW continuous output.


Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric, stated, "The successful maiden flight of our hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform the aviation industry. We are excited about the possibilities that this technology presents and are grateful for our partnership with CT Axter Aerospace, which has been instrumental in making this project a reality."

Miguel Suarez, CEO of Axter Aerospace, added, "Our collaboration with Wright Electric signifies our commitment to pioneering environmentally responsible solutions in agricultural aviation. The hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft is a testament to our shared vision of creating cleaner, more sustainable alternatives for the future of agricultural operations. Together, we're redefining what's possible in the industry."

10 November, 2021

Wright Electric Announces Details of Powertrain Development for the Wright Spirit Aircraft


Wright has taken another key step in the development of the world’s first zero-emissions regional jet. On the heels of the Wright Spirit launch announcement, the company has announced the launch of the Joint Technical Assessment Phase (JTAP). The JTAP will build on the work Wright has performed on its megawatt-class propulsion system and with partners.


“The JTAP is an important phase in an aircraft development program,” says Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric. “The role of the JTAP is to define a firm system architecture and operations plan for the megawatt-class powertrain.”

Key deliverables of the JTAP include:

Determining the ultimate architecture, aircraft and technology path for the development aircraft and market entry.
Development & test facilities and location.
Evaluation of the system architecture including selection of energy storage and generation solutions for the power system.
Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of critical path components and working with Wright's Airline Advisory Board (AAB) to determine the best fit for their market requirements.
The JTAP team includes some of the most innovative names in zero-emissions technology including Honeywell and EaglePicher. “Wright is proud of the advances we have made with our megawatt-class system and excited to build on this strategic collaboration,” says Jeff.


Innovation Partners:

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