• 01 May 2022 01:59 AM
• 0

NRC Flies Hybrid-Electric Cessna Skymaster

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) recently announced the first flight of its hybrid-electric Cessna 337 Skymaster. According to an April 4 press release, NRC replaced the rear engine with fully electric propulsion system that includes an electric motor, battery and supporting systems. They flew it for the first time in early February, with a 5-minute circuit; by the fifth flight, it was airborne for 32 minutes. 

The Hybrid Electric Aircraft Testbed (HEAT) project aims to develop the know-how to help the Canadian aerospace industry design, test and validate their own electric propulsion systems. The project will share information with Transport Canada, a partner in the project, to support the development of certification criteria for future electric and hybrid aircraft.