COLLABORATION ON ADDITIONAL HYBRID-ELECTRIC PROGRAMS

Ampaire today announced a key exclusive supplier for the hybrid-electric propulsion system it is developing for its Eco Caravan aircraft, an upgrade to the current Cessna Grand Caravan.

Ampaire will use a RED Aircraft AO3 series compression ignition engine rated to 550 hp (405 kW) in an integrated parallel configuration. The RED engine provides the base power and the Ampaire electrical system provides the peak power.

The new propulsion system for the Eco Caravan offers substantial benefits to users and will be the first in a series of electrified fixed-wing aircraft that reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Ampaire conducted the first Eco Caravan hybrid powertrain ground runs in April 2022, with plans to fly the aircraft in the second half of the year. The company is working with the FAA to achieve supplemental type certificate (STC) approval by 2024.