NASA selected two U.S.-based companies to develop electric propulsion technology for aircraft. The goal is to introduce this tech to U.S. air fleets by 2035.
MagniX and GE Aviation will be conducting their work for the next five-years. This includes flight and ground test demonstrations as well as collaborations between NASA projects that focus on electric propulsion, data analysis, and flight test instrumentation.
The total value of the awards, which were granted by the agency's Electric Powertrain Fly Demonstration program (EPFD), is $253.4 million. MagniX received $74.3 million, while GE Aviation was awarded $179 million.
GE Aviation and MagniX will conduct integrated megawatt-class powertrain systems ground and flight demonstrations in order to validate and benefit future [electrified air propulsion] aircraft configurations. NASA's Gaudy Betzos OConnor, EPFD project manager, explained this in a statement. These demonstrations will help to eliminate technical obstacles and integrate risks. This will help to inform future EAP system standards and regulations.
The EPFD project is part a larger NASA program called Integrated Aviation Systems. This NASA program conducts research and develops next-generation tech to create real-world operational flight system.
Although there are many companies that are working on electric flight propulsion systems for commercial aircraft, they are mostly found in emerging markets. The flights are smaller and lighter than the larger ones. TechCrunchs Devin Coldewey explained that electric planes have struggled to make lift from the weight of their batteries.
These public-private partnerships may finally solve the mystery. NASA's goal is to develop technology for regional and short-range air travel as well as narrow-body single-aisle aircraft.
