Ampaire demonstrates the capabilities of Its hybrid aircraft Electric EEL with a record-breaking flight that took place on December 10, 2023, in Camarillo, CA. The aircraft soared through the skies for a continuous twelve hours, establishing a record for endurance, and setting a new standard for hybrid electric aircraft, according to the company.
The total flight time precisely reached 12 hours. Ampaire reports that upon landing, the aircraft had over 2 hours of fuel and battery reserves. Ampaire’s CEO, Kevin Noertker, commented, stating, «This mission has shattered the barriers of electrified flight. We believe it underscores our commitment to the performance of our vehicles and their commercial utility.»
Related Content: Ampaire’s Eco Caravan made its first flight using its hybrid-electric propulsion system.
The executive continued, stating, «Ampaire’s hybrid electric solutions offer unparalleled operational economies, unlocking resilience and operational flexibility aligned with the needs of our customers. The spirit of innovation within the Ampaire team propels us forward on this journey towards a sustainable future. It is a testament to our enduring commitment.»
This endurance flight concludes a year marked by successful missions in Canada, Alaska, Arizona, and California. In these trials, the aircraft demonstrated exceptional performance, reliability, and adaptability to diverse environments.
The Electric EEL, built by Ampaire, is a demonstrator that is being used as a testing platform for the development of high-power electronics, inverters, motors, and their associated systems. It utilizes Ampaire’s AMP-H570 AMP Drive hybrid electric propulsion, which has also been deployed in the Eco Caravan. According to the manufacturer, this system has achieved a notable reduction of between 50 and 70 percent in fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines.
