FutureFlight
French Start-up to Flight Test Compact Turbogenerator For Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
French manufacturer Turbotech plans to flight test its under-development turbogenerator later this year, claiming it will provide transformative power options for hybrid-electric aircraft.
Turbotech's turbogenerator unit
Under development from French manufacturer Turbotech, this compact turbogenerator, which can be used to charge aircraft batteries in flight, will begin flight testing this year. (Image: Turbotech)

France's Turbotech plans to flight test its under-development turbogenerator later this year. It is offering the technology to developers of new hybrid-electric aircraft.

While some hybrid-electric aircraft systems under development use an engine connected to a generator through a gearbox of some sort, Turbotech has developed a compact all-in-one unit it describes as a “game-changer.” This uses a microturbine, a generator, and a heat exchanger, all on the same shaft that spins at 9,000 rpm providing it with a high power-to-weight ratio.