Engines
Leonardo Aims For Hybrid-powered AW09
In efforts to assess helicopter hybrid propulsion, Leonardo has selected its single engine AW09 on which to build its hybrid prototype.
Computer rendering of Leonardo's proposed hybrid AW09 helicopter. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
Computer rendering of Leonardo's proposed hybrid AW09 helicopter. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)

Leonardo’s AW09 “is at the center” of the company’s efforts to assess hybrid propulsion for helicopters, with full-scale bench testing scheduled for 2023 and first flight of a hybrid AW09 prototype slated for “a couple of years later,” a spokesman told AIN. The company has already completed a feasibility analysis, defined system architecture, and begun the development of different subsystems with selected technology partners.


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