Environmental and engineering consulting company Ricardo has joined forces with aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technologies that can help decarbonize aircraft operations.
As part of a multi-year deal, Ricardo’s aerospace engineering team will work with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology that can help improve an aircraft turboprop engine’s fuel efficiency by 30% and drive commensurate reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to today’s most advanced turboprop engines.
“Hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a core element of our strategy for continually advancing the efficiency of aircraft propulsion systems, in support of the industry-wide goal of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions for aviation by 2050,” Jean Thomassin, Executive Director new products and services, Pratt & Whitney Canada said. “Our collaboration with Ricardo brings valuable expertise around component design, system integration, and testing, which will ultimately enable us to demonstrate the potential of this technology, with ground testing starting later this year and eventual flight tests in 2024.”
The project is part of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program.
Adrian Schaffer, President of Emerging Mobility at Ricardo said, “We’re delighted to have signed this deal with Pratt & Whitney Canada. It represents a significant milestone for our business, as we look to expand our capabilities and footprint in North America and explore new opportunities supporting the decarbonization of the global aerospace sector. This project will help us build on our existing reputation for the innovative design and delivery of future-forward solutions for aerospace customers, creating clean, efficient, and integrated propulsion systems for next generation aircraft and building on our vision of creating a safe and sustainable world.”
