BAE Systems chosen by GE Aviation to provide energy management for NASA's EPFD
Above:
BAE Systems employees working on product in the electrification lab.
Courtesy BAE Systems
As part of the NASA research project, BAE Systems will design, test and supply energy management components for electric aircraft in the megawatt power class.
NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project aims to progress hybrid electric flight technologies for commercial aviation. The project includes ground and flight-test demonstrations to be conducted over the next five years.
“We are harnessing our expertise in energy management systems and flight critical controls to support the development of electric propulsion systems for the future of flight,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “This effort continues our longstanding relationship with GE.”
In addition to energy storage, BAE Systems will provide the high-integrity controls and cables for the demonstrator’s power management system, which will be tested on CT7-9B turboprop engines. The company will also leverage its investment in aircraft electrification and expertise in flight-critical systems to provide guidance for electric flight certification requirements.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with BAE Systems on this demonstrator to advance energy storage systems at altitude,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president and general manager of engineering for GE Aviation. “GE Aviation is leading the development of hybrid electric technology for commercial aviation through this NASA collaboration. Energy management is an important component of our research programme toward a more electric future of aviation with reduced carbon emissions and less reliance on fossil-based jet fuels.”
BAE Systems has over 25 years of experience developing and integrating electric propulsion systems for buses, boats, heavy-duty trucks and military vehicles. The company also has more than 40 years of experience in controls and avionics for military and commercial aircraft.
Work on the project will be conducted at the company’s Endicott, New York.
