Project description: We are the coordinator of the project MAHEPA (Modular Approach to Hybrid Electric Propulsion Architecture), together with 7 other partners.

MAHEPA project is developing and flying two new hybrid electric powertrains to enable cleaner, quieter and more efficient aircraft propulsion. By adopting a modular approach to propulsion system components design, for the first time two variants of a serial hybrid-electric powertrains will be tested in flight: the first uses a fuel-driven generator to charge the batteries and power the electric motor, while the second relies on fuel cells to produce power enabling zero-emission flight. Data from flight tests will be used to model future operating scenarios of hybrid electric aviation paving the way towards greener aircraft.

Project partners:

• COMPACT DYNAMICS GMBH
• DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV
• UNIVERSITAET ULM
• H2FLY GMBH
• TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
• POLITECNICO DI MILANO
• UNIVERZA V MARIBORU

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 723368.