Russian Partners Set To Fly Hybrid-electric Airliner Testbed | Aviation International News

Sustainability and Environment

Russian Partners Set To Fly Hybrid-electric Airliner Testbed

High-temperature superconductivity specialist SuperOx is providing a new electric motor and generator for a converted Yak-40 regional airliner.

A consortium of Russian companies and scientific agencies is preparing to start flight tests with a Yak-40 airliner converted to a hybrid-electric propulsion system. (Photo: N.E. Zhukovsky Scientific Research Center)

By Vladimir Karnozov

April 16, 2021

A 1970s vintage Yak-40 regional jetliner serves as the platform for what could become the Russian aerospace industry’s biggest step yet towards hybrid-electric propulsion. Developers are now preparing the testbed aircraft for an imminent first flight at the Siberian Scientific Research Academy (SibNIA) and plan to exhibit it to the public for the first time at Moscow’s MAKS 2021 air show in July.

The project, which enjoys high-level backing from the Russian government, is mainly being led by electric motor pioneer SuperOx and the Ufa State Aviation Technology University, which is providing a generator to power the motors and recharge a lithium-ion battery. The partners have removed the original three Ivchenko-Progress AI-25 turbofans, replacing them with a pair of Honeywell TFE731-5BR engines and a Klimov TV2-117 turboshaft, which drives the generator.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Sustainability Is Key for Business Aviation

Just start, urge industry sustainability experts

Sustainability and Environment

Corporate Support Could Triple SAF Purchases by 2030

Unlocking Scope 3 emissions objectives key to elevated demand

Sustainability and Environment

Bombardier fueling with SAF

Beyond Aero Signs Commitments for Hydrogen Business Airplane

French start-up says eight-seater will attract green private flyers

Sustainability and Environment

Beyond Aero BYA-1

NBAA-BACE To Feature Emerging Tech Pavilion

Exhibitors include start-ups Beyond Aero, DTA Aircraft, and Regent Craft

Sustainability and Environment

Regent Craft Viceroy seaglider

FlyOne Commits For 10 MDA1 eViator Electric Aircraft

Australian group plans various charter and aerial work applications

Sustainability and Environment

Digital rendering of MDA1

Altea Warns of Risks to Aviation Propulsion Revolution

Consultant says provisional sales announcements are poor indicators of program success

Sustainability and Environment

Graphic of generic regional airliner in flight

Composite Makers Prepare for Next Aerospace Challenge

New narrowbody airliners could see even greater use of composite materials

Sustainability and Environment

Toray composite manufacturing

Business Aviation Group Demands Emissions Policy Changes

EBAA says changes to Europe's emissions trading scheme are unfair

Sustainability and Environment

Business aircraft at Geneva Airport