The Intelligent Aerospace take:
July 19, 2019-The EEL is a neat bit of engineering that retrofits a 50-plus year-old Cessna Skymaster design with a modern hybrid electric-combustion system to reduce fuel consumption by up to 50%.
“The Cessna 337 modification is a first step," said Ampair CEO Kevin Noertker. "The next may be a hybrid or fully electric retrofit of a nine- to 19-passenger commuter/cargo aircraft. As batteries and powertrains mature, we will shift our focus to clean-sheet designs such as our nine-passenger, zero-emissions Tailwind concept. By that time, we will have established strong cash-flow from retrofit programs as well as engineering and certification expertise that will earn the confidence of investors, partners, aircraft operators, and regulators.”
The EEL is scheduled to enter flight trials on on commercial routes with Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii with FAA certification projected for 2021.
Related: Airbus E-Fan electric aircraft makes U.S. debut with hybrid engine
Related: Honeywell to debut 200 kw hybrid-electric turbogenerator prototype next month
Related: UK start-up Faradair announces it will launch its hybrid electric commercial flyer by 2025
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
