Given that it selected hydrogen as the way to reach its net-zero emissions goal, why is Airbus working on hybrid-electric aircraft batteries?
We have looked at the EcoPulse project before. This is a joint project between Airbus and Daher, which is a smaller aircraft manufacturer. The partnership also includes Safran, maker of aircraft engines and other key aircraft components. A Daher TBM 900 is the testbed aircraft in this project. And according to Airbus, the program’s goal is for the aircraft to fly this year.
Image: Airbus
Interestingly, it is Airbus itself that is in charge of the design and integration of the batteries in this project. The EcoPulse aircraft will incorporate a purpose-built battery compartment, under the pressurized fuselage. This will incorporate the batteries themselves, plus control electronics and a cooling system.
Thermal runaways with lithium-ion…