Raytheon Completes First Engine Run of Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator

Raytheon Technologies announced the successful first engine run of the company’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, marking a key milestone towards flight testing, targeted to begin in 2024.

The system fully integrates a 1 MW electric motor developed by Collins Aerospace with a highly efficient Pratt & Whitney fuel-burning engine, specially adapted for hybrid-electric operation. This powerplant technology will enable more efficient engine performance during the different phases of flight, such as take-off, climb and cruise, reducing fuel burn and CO₂ emissions by up to 30 per cent compared to today’s most advanced regional turboprop aircraft. Flight Test Centre of Excellence will modify and operate the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 aircraft, serving as the platform for future flight demonstrations.

Raytheon Technologies launched the demonstrator project via its Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace businesses in July 2021, supported by the Governments of Canada and Quebec.