Pratt & Whitney Canada has selected H55 S.A. to supply battery systems for the company’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program. Development will be supported by the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI).
On Thursday (May 19, 2022), Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced that they have selected H55 S.A. as the battery supplier for the company’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program. Development of the battery component designs and associated electrical control systems will also be supported by the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI). Participation of H55 in the program follows a July 2021 announcement that Pratt & Whitney Canada would demonstrate hybrid-electric propulsion technology through a CAD $163 million investment supported by the government’s of Canada and Quebec. In collaboration with Collins Aerospace and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, P&WC is targeting a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, with Collins Aerospace providing the 1 megawatt electric motor for the hybrid-electric propulsion system.
In Thursday’s announcment, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Executive Director – New Products and Services, Jean Thomassin, said,
“We’re delighted to draw from H55’s technology in the field of aircraft battery systems, and collaborate with NRC and IVI on optimizing the design for our hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program. Hybrid-electric technology holds significant potential to boost the efficiency of next generation aircraft propulsion systems, allowing us to set new standards for sustainability for regional and commuter aircraft.”
Also commenting on the new development partnership, H55’s Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, André Borschberg, said,
“Our goal has always been to address regional commuter transportation and with P&WC, there is a perfect fit whereby our core technologies complement each other. Both companies share the same vision as to how hybrid-electric propulsion can offer a range of environmental and economic benefits. Having been selected by P&WC is an important validation that our experience is valued by a reputable industry player. We are excited to be working in Quebec with P&WC and several other industry and research collaborators in bringing our battery pack to the hybrid-electric demonstrator program.”
The Innovative Vehicle Institute’s General Manager, François Adam, added,
“We are delighted to support this project as part of our mission to help companies develop and integrate innovative vehicle technologies. By enabling future aircraft to achieve greater efficiency and lower emissions, projects like this will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation industry.”
Switzerland-based H55 is a technological spin-off of Solar Impulse, the first electric aircraft to fly around the world. The company’s mission is to make aviation clean, safe and affordable, through the development of propulsion and energy storage solutions that are modular and lightweight.
A division of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), Pratt & Whitney is a global leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) for commercial, military, regional, business and general aviation aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is known for their innovative technologies such as the Geared Turbofan (GTF) commercial aircraft engine and the PW800 business jet engine.
Source: Pratt & Whitney