Raytheon Completes 1st Engine Run of Regional Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator

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

The propulsion system's initial run took place at Pratt & Whitney's innovation facility in Longueuil, Quebec and performed as expected. 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% compared to today's most advanced regional turboprop aircraft.

Flight Test Centre of Excellence (Cert Center Canada - 3C), will modify and operate the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 aircraft, serving as the platform for future flight demonstrations.