Modular Electric Propulsion Test Bed Aircraft

An advanced aircraft electric propulsion system will have significant potential application across a wide range of NASA aircraft including both manned and unmanned systems. With two of NASA's primary goals being reduced aircraft emissions and noise, a realizable, efficient, and competitive aircraft electric propulsion system is a highly sought after commodity. The test bed aircraft will allow NASA personnel to quickly and rigorously evaluate multiple electrical propulsion systems in a cost effective and timely manner. The test bed will enable component optimization and a variety of operational studies to be performed, all of which will help define the important aspects and characteristics for a successful all-electric aircraft. The test bed can also be used to study new propulsion systems such as turboelectric distributed systems and hybrid electric systems. NASA will be eager to exploit the new test bed platform.

The potential for an advanced electric propulsion aircraft is quite good. If results from the test bed aircraft show that an all electric propulsion aircraft can be produced which can compete with a conventionally powered aircraft on both a performance and cost basis, the system will be in extremely high demand. The system's emissionless, or near emissionless operation will be highly desirable in an increasingly environmentally conscious world where ever more stringent emissions and noise standards are continually being enacted. The additional benefits of electric propulsion including increased reliability, low maintenance and maintenance costs coupled with low noise and reduced vibration will make the system highly attractive to commercial, military, and general aviation markets for both manned and unmanned systems. More »