Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Developer Electra Unveils Turbo-Electric Airliner Concept
Electra’s conceptual design for next-generation airliners was developed as part of NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 program.
(Manassas, Virginia) Hybrid-electric aircraft developer Electra today (Jun. 8) unveiled a new conceptual design for next-generation airliners developed as part of NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 program.
Image of Electra’s courtesy of Electra.
Per today’s press release from Electra, the study explores how targeted electrification, advanced aerodynamics, and integrated airframe-propulsion design can transform the efficiency and competitiveness of aircraft with 100+ passengers by mid-century.
The release explains that “the conceptual aircraft uses a wide “double-bubble” fuselage that allows the body of the aircraft to contribute more lift, while two underwing turbofan engines produce thrust as well as electricity to power electric tail fans that ingest and re-energize slower-moving air over the fuselage, a technique known as boundary layer ingestion.”
According to Electra’s analysis, its new conceptual configuration could deliver a 17 percent efficiency improvement beyond gains expected by 2050 from advanced structures, engine technologies, and aerodynamic improvements.
“The value of electrification in this concept is that it lets us put the propulsion where it couldn’t go before but does the most good,” said Dr. Parker Vascik, Director of Product Strategy at Electra. “We can radically improve how the airframe and propulsion system work together while keeping the aircraft grounded in real airline and airport operations. The goal is not just efficiency on paper, but concepts that we can actually build, certify, and use.”
Electra’s concept is designed to fit within existing airport gates and airline operations and standard jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to the company.
