UEC reveals mock-up of first hybrid aircraft engine

The advantages of a hybrid power plant include increased fuel efficiency and flight safety, reduced emissions, increased thrust-to-weight ratio, as well as increased service life and reliability.

United Engine Corporation (part of Rostec) has unveiled a mock-up of a hybrid aircraft engine, which consists of a gas turbine engine, electric motors, power electronics units, an electric generator and a battery pack. It is designed for next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles flying with four propellers.

"In 2022, we plan to create the first hybrid engine demonstrator capable of outputting around 150 kW. The demonstrator will be further used for testing a design with ultimate power output of 500 kW by 2023", says Mikhail Shemet, Deputy Director of prospective engine projects at UEC-Klimov.

The 500 kW hybrid engine demonstrator is based on the VK-650V engine. Potential aircraft of this power class are light multipurpose helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles with a takeoff weight between 2–8 tons, light local airliners, air taxis and various VTOL designs. After the first stage of the project, an additional objective was determined to develop a marine application with 200-250 kW of power.

The advantages of a hybrid power plant include increased fuel efficiency and flight safety, reduced emissions, increased thrust-to-weight ratio, capability for quick power boosts due to the electrical component, as well as increased service life and reliability.