Hybrid aircraft nears takeoff with production Cassio 330 debut
PARIS - Electric-hybrid aircraft have taken another step from the exotic to the practical with VoltAero unveiling the production model of its Cassio 330 five-seat regional passenger aircraft that combines quiet efficiency with the most spacious cabin in its class, David Szondy writes for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
2 July 2025 - VoltAero has redesigned its Cassio 330 aircraft with a new series-hybrid propulsion system for the production version. The configuration includes two Safran ENGINeUS electric motors mounted at the rear fuselage and a thermal engine that acts as a range extender by recharging the batteries during cruise. The aircraft uses all-electric power for taxi, takeoff, and initial climb to enable quiet, eco-efficient operation.
This marks a departure from the original parallel-hybrid design, which combined electric and thermal propulsion through a single propeller. The aircraft also replaces its twin-boom tail with a T-tail configuration, improving structural integrity and safety in the event of a propeller failure.
The production Cassio 330 incorporates multiple layers of redundancy, including dual independent battery strings and electric motors with independently powered stator windings. These features qualify the aircraft as a multi-engine platform, paving the way for use in commercial operations.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics