BAE to help Airbus with hybrid commercial aircraft research

BAE Systems has signed an agreement to provide the energy storage system for a micro-hybridisation demonstration project for commercial aircraft being conducted by Airbus. 

As part of the agreement, BAE Systems will provide energy storage systems to Airbus for lab testing and system integration. The French-German aerospace giant is exploring the effectiveness of integrating small-scale hybrid systems into commercial aircraft to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The energy storage systems, or packs as they are otherwise known, will offer 200KWh energy capacity — suitable for megawatt power electric aircraft. In flight, the energy storage system would provide electric propulsion assist to the engine during various phases, such as takeoff and cruise.

A spokesperson for BAE Systems told us: “While we leverage prior and ongoing developments, tailoring solutions to meet the unique requirements of each aviation platform – such as size, weight, power, and energy demands – is often necessary. This collaboration will provide BAE Systems and Airbus with insights that could be applied across a wide range of sustainable aircraft being considered.”

Work on the energy storage system will be performed at BAE’s engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York. 

The firm has developed a family of energy storage products that its claims offer a roadmap to 300 Wh/kg energy density using “high-volume” standard format cells, which are known for their scalability. 

Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems’ experience in flight-critical systems and vehicle electrification equips us to meet aerospace’s unique demands, allowing us to optimise performance, work towards more responsible aircraft operations, and address safe electric flight.”