The U.S. engine manufacturer recently announced that it will receive funding from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to develop hybrid electric engines for future flights.
As reported by GE Aviation, the ARC-STEP project, which will be funded by the Army, will focus on research, development, testing and evaluation of a megawatt (MW)-class power plant that further develops technologies applicable to the Army Future Vertical Lift (FVL), the new family of military helicopters for the U.S. Armed Forces.
“ARC-STEP will use a GE CT7 turboshaft engine, combined with a GE-produced electric machine and power electronics. GE and Army experts in turbine engines, electrical systems and thermal management will research and integrate technologies that enable lightweight, efficient, reliable and safe hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Testing will be conducted at GE’s research campus in Niskayuna, NY,” the company said in a statement.
GE also notes that this award to work with the Army comes shortly after the company was selected by NASA for an electric powertrain flight demonstration project, which represents a great time for GE to increase its expertise and research in hybrid electric systems and electric power generation.
Engine manufacturers have a key role to play in the decarbonization of the industry. It is no longer enough to develop more efficient engines that use conventional fossil fuels. The introduction of hybrid-electric propulsion systems can be an important step towards zero emissions.
