Engines
Ampaire's Electric EEL Skymaster Makes Longest Flight Yet
Aircraft propulsion systems integrator Ampaire set a new flight record for its hybrid-electric powered EEL aircraft on October 8.
A twin-engine Cessna 337 Skymaster with its engines arranged in a unique push-pull configuration has been retrofitted by Ampaire as its Electric EEL, with an electric motor replacing the forward piston engine. (Photo: Ampaire)
A twin-engine Cessna 337 Skymaster with its engines arranged in a unique push-pull configuration has been retrofitted by Ampaire as its Electric EEL, with an electric motor replacing the forward piston engine. (Photo: Ampaire)

Electric propulsion systems developer Ampaire last week achieved its longest flight with the Cessna 337 Skymaster that it has converted to hybrid-electric power. On October 8, the six-seat, Electric EEL aircraft took off from the Los Angeles-area Camarillo Airport and made a 341-mile flight to Hayward Executive Airport in the San Francisco area in 2 hours and 35 minutes. Ampaire, claims this was the longest flight to date for what it defines as a "commercially relevant" aircraft using electric propulsion.