Engines
Daher: EcoPulse To Fly by Year End
Daher's hybrid-powered EcoPulse testbed developed with Safran and Airbus is expected to take to the skies by year-end.
Daher anticipates the first flight of the hybrid propulsion EcoPulse test bed to occur by the end of the year. The airframer is developing the TBM-based demonstrator in partnership with Safran and Airbus. (Image: Daher)
Daher anticipates the first flight of the hybrid propulsion EcoPulse test bed to occur by the end of the year. The airframer is developing the TBM-based demonstrator in partnership with Safran and Airbus. (Image: Daher)

Daher (Booth 35, Static AD_18) expects the first flight of its hybrid-electric EcoPulse technology demonstrator to take place by the end of the year, the French company said this week at EBACE. Developed in partnership with Safran and Airbus and supported by France’s CORAC civil aviation research council, the test aircraft is based on the TBM 900-series airframe and features six wing-mounted 50-kW electric motors in addition to its standard Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine. Its purpose is to develop the key architectural principles for future hybrid airplanes.