Page 15 - World Airnews Magazine May Edition 2021

RUSSIA

A RUSSIAN HYBRID-ELECTRIC

AIRLINER TESTBED

By Vladimir Karnozov

1970s vintage Yak-40 regional
Ajetliner serves as the pla� orm for
what could become the Russian aero-
space industry’s biggest step yet towards
hybrid-electric propulsion.
Developers are now preparing the
testbed aircraft for an imminent first flight

at the Siberian Scientific Research Acad-

emy (SibNIA) and plan to exhibit it to the
public for the first time at Moscow’s MAKS

2021 air show in July. The project, which
enjoys high-level backing from the Russian
government, is mainly being led by electric
motor pioneer SuperOx and the Ufa State

Aviation Technology University, which is
providing a generator to power the motors cruise flight, it accumulates surplus energy Moscow-based SuperOx is a specialist in

and recharge a lithium-ion battery. while powering the company’s new electric applications for high-temperature super-

The partners have removed the original motor, which drives a six-blade propeller at conductivity technology, which is also
three Ivchenko-Progress AI-25 turbofans, the front of the aircraft. being used for industrial power supply and

replacing them with a pair of Honeywell’s Under a project called ‘Contour’ under- other transportation uses such as trains.

TFE731-5BR engines and a Klimov TV2-117 way since December 2016 and sponsored SuperOx also partnered with the Central

turboshaft, which drives the generator. by Russia’s Fund for Perspective Research, Institute for Aviation Motors (TsIAM) based in

Weighing around 100 kg (220 pounds), the SuperOx seeks to develop a completely Baranov, which is also contributing to another

generator produces between 400 and 500 integrated propulsion system that could be project called simply ‘Electric Aircraft’. This

kW (up to around 680 hp) of power per tonne, used to convert existing aircraft, or poten- project has support from Russia’s ministry

running at 2,500 rpm. The combined electrical tially for new designs. for industry and trade. The N.E. Zhukovsky

power output totals about 800 volts, which At a media event held earlier this year in Scientific Research Centre also contributes to
the partners have said is the highest achieved Novosibirsk, FPI head Andrei Grigoriev said the Electric Aircraft project. Q

yet by Russian propulsion companies. that the government is fully committed

SuperOx’s battery primarily gives the to supporting the development of a new Article courtesy: https://www.ainonline.

Yak-40 a boost during take-off. During all-electric aircraft. com/aviation-news/

NEWS
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World Airnews | May 2021 World Airnews | May 2021
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