RED Aircraft is to supply its A03 engine for the powertrain Ampaire is developing to convert Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft to hybrid-electric propulsion. The compression ignition engine will be rated to 405 kW (550 hp) as part of Ampaire’s integral parallel configuration with the electric motors and battery packs, with the A03 providing base power and peak power coming from the electrical system.
Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed by the companies on the first day of this week’s EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the partners intend to jointly commercialize the hybrid-electric version of the utility aircraft under the brand name Eco Caravan. Ampaire is developing a family of propulsion systems for applications requiring power ratings of up to 800 hp. RED will develop, certify, and supply a range of engines that can run on both jet-A and sustainable aviation fuel.
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