Page 15 - World Airnews Magazine May 2021 Edition Intro

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
FRANCE AIR EXPO
director of France Air Expo. every Saturday. Since 2017, Aerobuzz.de

Aerobuzz.fr is an aeronautical in- has been covering German aeronautical

erobuzz.fr, is the new partner formation website that provides daily news from Cologne where the editorial

Aof the 14th editi on of France information on general aviation, flying staff of this franchise site is located.

Air Expo, the first aviation show of the clubs, air transport, business aviation, The France Air Expo 2021 edition,

year 2021 in a ‘hybrid’ format in Europe. airports, aircraft manufacturers, as well which will be held ‘face-to-face’ at Lyon

The France Air Expo will be held from as aeronautics. Bron airport and will for three days host

June 3 to 5, 2021 at Lyon Bron airport In its 12 years of existence, Aerobuzz. pilots, aircraft owners, flying clubs, flight

and on a virtual pla�orm throughout the fr has brought together a community of schools and enthusiasts.

month of June. 400,000 French-speaking aviation enthu- Given the current health crisis, a paral-

"We are delighted and proud to have siasts and professionals. Since March this lel ‘virtual’ edition will take place!

concluded a partnership agreement with year, Aerobuzz.fr has been offering a se- This will allow thousands of online vis-

Aerobuzz.fr, which, thanks to the impetus ries of weekly free thematic newsletters. itors to connect to a dedicated space for

of its editor-in-chief, Gil Roy, has become At the end of 2020, Aerobuzz.fr launched the month of June offering general avi-

one of the essential sites for aeronautical the ‘Mémoire d'Aerobuzz’ podcast ation a platform to exchange and share

information" , said Didier Mary, managing collection and a new podcast is uploaded everything that is unique in Europe. Q
World Airnews | May 2021 World Airnews | May 2021
— 12 — — 13 —