Engines
VoltAero Launches Hybrid-electric Powertrain for Kit-built Aircraft
HPU 210 uses a Kawasaki motorcycle engine combined with an electric motor and batteries
VoltAero HPU 210 hybrid-electric propulsion system
VoltAero’s new HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain could be used by people building their own light aircraft.

VoltAero is offering a new version of the hybrid-electric powertrain it is developing for its Cassio family of regional airliners that could be used for homebuilt and kit-built light aircraft. The HPU 210 was unveiled on June 5 at the France Air Expo show at Lyon–Bron Airport.

The powertrain combines a 60-kilowatt electric motor plus a battery with a Kawasaki H2SX thermal engine that provides maximum power of 150 kilowatts. According to the French start-up, in typical operations, the engine delivers baseline propulsive power from zero to 70%, while the motor kicks in when an aircraft demands higher levels of power to support shorter takeoff distances, obstacle clearance, and increased cruise speeds.

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