First hybrid electric aircraft enters the FAA certification process

Ampaire powers up its hybrid electric Eco Caravan as firm gets ready for test flights.

This month Ampaire began ground testing the propulsion system on its first hybrid-electric Cessna Grand Caravan flight test aircraft, which the company has branded the Eco Caravan.

This aircraft builds on the technology and heritage of Ampaire’s Electric EEL aircraft. The EEL was the first hybrid-electric aircraft to receive an experimental market survey flight certificate from the FAA and flight permit from the CAA in the UK.

According to the company, the upgraded Eco Caravan offers fuel savings over the original aircraft of up to 70% on short-hop routes and over 50% on long-haul flights, while still carrying nine passengers or cargo. The aircraft can achieve an emissions reduction of up to 90% if using sustainable aviation fuel and is capable of operating from airports without electric charging infrastructure.

Ampaire will proceed with development of the Eco Caravan and the application for a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its hybrid propulsion system.

The Eco Caravan is the first hybrid electric aircraft to enter the FAA certification process. The STC process can take much less time than certifying an entirely new aircraft, allowing a certification target of 2024. By upgrading current aircraft to hybrid-electric power, it also enables the Eco Caravan to improve the emissions and affordability of existing fleets.

CEO and company co-founder Kevin Noertker comments, ‘We expect the Eco Caravan to be the first in a series of hybrid electric upgrades for a number of aircraft models that will transform the industry by lowering emissions and costs.’

The first flight of the Eco Caravan is expected in the second half of 2022.