NASA Seeks Contractors for Megawatt-class Powertrain Demonstrations

NASA is also about to start high-voltage functional ground-testing on its X-57 electric aircraft technology demonstrator.

NASA EAP integrated megawatt class propulsion — NASA is looking for contracts to test an integrated megawatt-class powertrain that could be used to power regional airliners by around 2035. (Image: NASA)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 26, 2021

NASA is seeking proposals from companies to conduct ground and flight demonstrations for an integrated megawatt-class powertrain system that could be used for future electric airliners. The federal U.S. agency issued a request for proposals this week, and the deadline for submissions is April 20.

The planned demonstrations are part of NASA's efforts to stimulate development of technologies to support the goal of seeing electrically powered airliners in commercial service by 2035. Given the power limitations of battery-based all-electric powertrains, it is envisaged that the propulsion systems would be hybrid-electric designs, using combinations of turbines and electric motors that could support aircraft for regional airline services.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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