The UK-based engineering and development firm, Electric Aviation Group unveiled the design of 70+ seater Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft (HERA) opening technical and commercial entry points for sustainable mass air transport.
EAG which draws on the strong aviation industry based in Bristol, worked on optimization of the latest technology, operational parameters, and economics for creating a design for HERA so that it can successfully address the challenges of decarbonization and mass air transportation.
"Significant investments have been raised to develop sub-19 seat hybrid and all-electric aircraft which we believe is the wrong strategy. These small planes cannot meet the demands of mass air transportation or the requirements of decarbonization," said Kamran Iqbal, founder, and CEO of EAG.
"Our design is for an aircraft that will initially offer 800 nautical miles range at launch in 2028, and which will be able to carry over 70 people. We will be a first mover in what is a $4.4 trillion market."
Few key features of the 70+seater HERA:
- Whisper-quiet operation reduces noise pollution
- Innovative airborne battery regeneration to minimize turn-around time
- Efficient battery integration
- Thermal management of motors and power electronics
- Gear Assisted Take-Off Run (GATOR) gives rapid acceleration for a quick lift-off reducing energy requirements
- Short take-off-and-landing (STOL) performance enables new route opportunities affording greater profitability to operators
- Cabin-flex design enables passenger operation during the day and cargo operation at night
- Suitability for operating from regional airports brings convenience to travelers and gives increased proximity to warehouses, enabling private sector cargo to optimize last-mile terrestrial logistics and delivery systems and reduce carbon emissions
- Future-proof design to accommodate alternative energy sources if available before 2030
- Flexibility to transform into an all-electric or carbon neutral as the battery density improves or alternative fuels and associated powertrain technologies mature and become affordable.
EAG has already filed a total of 25 patents covering a wide range for technologies ahead of starting the production of the new aircraft. In the initial phases, the company hopes to create more than 25,000 jobs and unlock $5 billion investments in the UK aerospace industry.
"We expect this to be a great example of British design, engineering and build," Iqbal added.
"Not only will the development of the HERA help the Department of Transport accelerate its 'Jet Zero' carbon reduction goals, it will also help to create much-needed job opportunities in the aerospace, manufacturing, engineering and services industries post-Brexit.”
