P&WC hybrid-electric propulsion (HEP) demonstrator program


ROTOR PRO: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH ACHIEVING THESE GOALS?


Nico Chabée: In terms of SAF, scalability appears to be the main challenge, followed by fuel certification to a lesser degree.


Hybridization and electrification challenges primarily include battery technology – specifically energy density and infrastructure around battery charging and replacement.


There is a fair bit of work left to do with regulators when it comes to certification bases for disruptive technology and airspace concerns in and around densely populated areas.


Based upon the current generation of helicopters, innovative technology insertion will be multiplexed (hydrogen/electric). In the short term, we see SAF as the major contributor to the reduction of carbon emissions.


The ICAO CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) agreement provides additional market measures for aviation to leverage offsets with other industries.


We will be working closely with OEMs who are looking at innovative next-generation helicopters to design propulsion systems that will meet their requirements.


ROTOR PRO: WHAT REAL PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE TOWARD REACHING THESE GOALS SO FAR?


Nico Chabée: As noted previously, all P&WC engines are compatible with up to 50% SAF blends, which is a success in and of itself.


We are continuing to participate in the development of the appropriate standards toward 100% SAF (for example, working with ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) and its possible implementation around the 2025 timeframe. This will enable engine OEMs, airframers, and MRO organizations to support a further reduction in CO2 emissions with hopefully no changes to technologies, major infrastructure, or operational and maintenance processes.


We continue to communicate with our customers and operators to educate them on our current compatibility levels, and have a multi-year plan to reach compatibility with future unblended SAF shortly after fuel certification.


Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles have successfully flown demonstrators. Developing and optimizing vehicle performance for production platforms and their eventual certification are the next challenges. The industry will need to continue to mature the technology readiness of a long list of enablers.


And, as noted previously, we are working on a number of technology fronts that include hydroelectric and hydrogen, among others.


78


May/June 2023


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