Aircraft
Ampaire Trials Hybrid-electric Flights in Utah
Company plans to convert Cessna Grand Caravans for freight and passenger services
Ampaire EEL hybrid-electric technology demonstrator
Ampaire is conducting hybrid-electric test flights in Utah as it prepares to convert Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

Hybrid-electric propulsion system developer Ampaire has started demonstration flights in Utah as part of the FAA-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). On Thursday, the California-based company reported that its EEL technology demonstrator aircraft had completed a series of flights intended to replicate possible commercial routes.

Over the course of a phased exercise that is part of Utah’s uFly program, Ampaire intends to fly its Eco Caravan aircraft, which is a Cessna Grand Caravan fitted with its AMP-H570. According to co-founder and CEO Kevin Noertker, the company is now aiming to complete certification of this powerplant and secure a supplemental type certificate for converting the Caravan utility models in 2027. It recently completed the FAA's process for establishing the G1 certification basis.

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