Raytheon Technologies has announced that it has successfully completed the first engine run of the company’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator.
The propulsion system’s initial run took place at Pratt & Whitney’s innovation facility in Longueuil, Quebec. The system fully integrates a 1 MW electric motor developed by Collins Aerospace with a Pratt & Whitney fuel-burning engine specially adapted for hybrid-electric operation.
This achievement marks a key milestone towards flight testing, anticipated to begin in 2024. The Flight Test Centre of Excellence (Cert Center Canada – 3C) will modify and operate the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 aircraft, serving as the platform for future flight demonstrations.
3C has a Quebec team that includes Chrono Aviation, WAAS Aerospace, and Elisen to integrate the hybrid-electric powertrain, battery system, and high-voltage electrical harness into 3C’s Dash 8 research aircraft.
“With our ground test program now well underway, planned flight testing will enable us to accelerate the demonstration of this next-generation sustainable propulsion technology as we continue to expand our collaboration within Canada’s aerospace ecosystem and beyond,” said Jean Thomassin, Executive Director of New Products and Services, Pratt & Whitney Canada.
