GE Aerospace Uses Saab 340B for Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Tests

GE Aerospace has modified a Saab 340B to test hybrid-electric propulsion, including electric power that augments propulsion during takeoff.

Key details

• GE Aerospace configured the aircraft for megawatt-class hybrid-electric testing.
• The Saab 340B testbed demonstrated electric power augmenting propulsion during takeoff.

GE Aerospace modified a Saab 340B as a megawatt-class hybrid-electric testbed.

Why it matters

The testbed brings hybrid-electric propulsion testing to an aircraft designed for commercial-airliner operating altitudes. The reported milestone centers on using electric power to assist propulsion during takeoff, a demanding phase of flight.