Last 17th May 2018, H3PS (acronym for "High Power High Scalability Aircraft Hybrid Powertrain") kick off meeting took place in Capua (Italy), at TECNAM headquarters, coordinator of the project. The European Commission and INEA Agency has selected and financed H3PS project among 31 submitted proposals on the call Mobility for Growth (Topic MG-1.4-2016-2017) under HORIZON 2020.

The objective of the project is to put the basis for the development, manufacturing and in-flight test of a parallel hybrid powertrain for General Aviation by the involvement of three European GA market leaders: TECNAM, BRP-ROTAX and SIEMENS. The R&D departments of these three innovative European companies, will join their experience to present a concrete performing alternative to state-of-the-art propulsion that will dramatically reduce environmental impact of today's General Aviation four seats aircraft.

Through the project's kick off meeting, participants discussed the status of the research area, project goals, and expectations of the different stakeholders with respect to the project outcome.

Fabio Russo, Head of R&D and Product Development of TECNAM and Project Manager of H3PS, explains the expected impact from H3PS: "We are excited to contribute with H3PS project to the main EU challenges in transportation sector, particularly leadership position of its aeronautics industry and reliable and sustainable air transport system. The project will allow broadening the horizons of knowledge in the field of parallel hybrid propulsion systems. By developing electrical components, including a parallel hybrid drive system for GA segment, the project will introduce the most advanced technologies for all-electric aircraft and thus stimulating innovation. Together with other Research and Innovation Actions funded under H2020 umbrella and focused on development of different hybrid configuration, European aircraft and propulsion leaders will play an essential role both on conventional aircraft efficiency growth as well as on future and most innovative configurations"