NASA Awards $253M for Electric Aircraft Propulsion Tech

NASA Invests in Electric Aircraft Propulsion Development

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected two American firms to spearhead the advancement of electric propulsion systems for use in commercial aircraft. The goal is to see this technology integrated into U.S. aviation fleets by the year 2035.

Company Selections and Project Timeline

GE Aviation and MagniX have been chosen to undertake this crucial work over the next five years. Their efforts will encompass both ground-based and in-flight testing, alongside collaborative ventures with other NASA initiatives concentrating on electric propulsion, data evaluation, and flight instrumentation.

Financial Investment

The total value of the awards, distributed through NASA’s Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program, reaches $253.4 million. A significant portion, $179 million, has been allocated to GE Aviation, while MagniX will receive $74.3 million.

Project Goals and Expected Outcomes

According to Gaudy Bezos-O’Connor, EPFD project manager at NASA, both companies will focus on demonstrating integrated megawatt-class powertrain systems on the ground and in flight. This will serve to validate their concepts and assess the potential benefits for future electrified aircraft propulsion designs.

These demonstrations are designed to pinpoint and resolve technical obstacles and integration challenges. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the creation of standards and regulations governing future EAP systems.

Broader NASA Initiative

The EPFD project is an integral component of NASA’s broader Integrated Aviation Systems program. This program is dedicated to research and development efforts aimed at transforming cutting-edge technologies into practical, operational flight systems.

Challenges in Electric Flight

While numerous companies are currently developing electric flight propulsion systems, many are focused on the emerging air taxi sector. In this market, shorter flight distances and the smaller size of the aircraft help to mitigate the weight challenges associated with battery technology.

Generating sufficient lift and the substantial weight of batteries have historically presented a significant hurdle in the development of larger electric planes, representing a “fundamental conundrum” as noted by Devin Coldewey of TechCrunch.

Focus on Regional and Short-Range Travel

It is hoped that these public-private partnerships will ultimately overcome these obstacles. The NASA project specifically targets the development of technology suitable for short-range and regional air travel, including narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft.