FutureFlight
FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
FutureFlight.aero's Weekly Advanced Air Mobility News Roundup
Wright Electric has flown a hybrid-electric crop-spraying aircraft.
Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace have flown a converted a Thrush crop-spraying aircraft to hybrid-electric propulsion. (Image: Wright Electric)

Wright Converts Crop-spraying Aircraft to Hybrid Electric Power

Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace have started flight testing a Thrush crop-spraying aircraft that they have converted to use a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The partners aim to start offering the conversion package after securing a supplemental type certificate for the modification in 2027.

The combination of a turbine engine and an electric motor generates 800 kilowatts of shaft horsepower. The companies say the hybrid-electric Thrush will make crop-spraying operations more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.