Aircraft

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in the US and Powering Imagination has signed an agreement to create an electric flight program that focuses on developing electric propulsion systems to decrease emissions and noise from aircraft.

Speaking on the deal, Powering Imagination CEO Erik Lindbergh and Embry-Riddle Eagle Flight Research Center director Richard (Pat) Anderson said in a joint statement that commercial aviation powerplants emit a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere, and aircraft noise is an increasing issue around the world that restricts access to airports and inconveniences neighbouring communities.

They said that electric and hybrid-electric power systems offer the potential to significantly reduce both noise and emissions, making aviation more sustainable and opening new possibilities for operations in noise-sensitive areas.

Powering Imagination’s Quiet Flight Initiative will work together with Green Flight Program at Embry-Riddle to facilitate development of a test aircraft that will used for the electric flight programmes.

"This aircraft will serve as an investment in the future of sustainable aviation, to enable research and development of innovations that will transform the future of flight."

Students and faculty at the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach, Florida campus will convert a Diamond HK36 motorglider to electric power, and will use it for testing in noise-sensitive areas.

The jet will also be used for testing new components of electric propulsion systems to provide real-world evaluation under flight conditions.

According to Embry-Riddle and Powering Imagination, the aircraft will make its first flight in the middle of 2015 at the Embry-Riddle campus in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Powering Imagination COO Eric Bartsch said: "This aircraft will serve as an investment in the future of sustainable aviation, to enable research and development of innovations that will transform the future of flight."

Powering Imagination and Embry-Riddle are currently raising funds for the multi-year initiative to enable the purchase of the HK36 airframe; the conversion of the aircraft to electric power; and the operation of the aircraft for testing methods of reducing emissions and noise.

Image: Electric and hybrid-electric power systems offer the potential to significantly reduce both aircraft noise and emissions. Photo: courtesy of Suzanne T.

Defence Technology