Russia's UEC Building Hybrid & Electric Aero Engines

The United Engine Corporation (UEC) of the Rostec State Corporation is spearheading the development of hybrid and electric power plants with open architecture.

Central to these developments is a hybrid power plant (HPP) boasting a built-in capacity of 500 kW. This HPP is the brainchild of the St. Petersburg enterprise UEC-Klimov, derived from the new aircraft engine VK-650V. The HPP integrates gas turbine and electric engines, an electric generator, batteries, and power electronics.

Rostec indicated that hybrid power plants represent a promising future for global aviation, particularly for unmanned systems. They noted that their specialists have made progress in creating a GPU with a built-in capacity of 500 kW and are developing a line of hybrid and electric power plants for future aircraft. As part of this project, various electric propulsion units, power units, and batteries are being developed, allowing for the assembly of any power plant with a capacity of up to 1.5 MW from individual components.

These power plants are intended for use in transport drones, including heavy drones and tiltrotor aircraft, air taxis, and aircraft with vertical and ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities.

Currently, the hybrid power plant is undergoing comprehensive bench tests. UEC-Klimov specialists aim to finalize the experimental design work and commence serial production in the coming years.

"Tests on the stand have already confirmed the reliable joint operation of all systems and units of the GSU demonstrator. We only need to complete all the tests and move on to the next stage. Since certification of hybrid power plants is a new phenomenon for Russia, our specialists are preparing a certification basis, which we will discuss with the expert community," said Vadim Badekha, General Director of UEC and member of the bureau of the central council of Soyuzmash of Russia.

The use of dual engine types in the GSU promises improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional power plants. Developers also predict a 20-30% increase in engine lifespan due to optimized operating modes.

A full-size, four-meter prototype of the 500 kW hybrid power plant is on display at the Rostec State Corporation’s unified stand at the Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition, held from July 8 to 11 in Yekaterinburg.