American hybrid-electric aircraft Ampaire 337 made its maiden flight from Camarillo airport, California, on June 6, 2019. Ampair 337 is already hailed by some as the largest hybrid-electric aircraft ever flown, while the company strives to be the first to offer hybrid aircraft in commercial service.
The aircraft is based on six-seat Cessna 337 Skymaster. It has a petrol engine in the front and electric propulsion system, powered by a lightweight battery system, at the rear. The aircraft has a “parallel hybrid” design, which means that an internal combustion engine and electric motor can work individually to optimize power.
Ampaire 337 aims to reduce aviation’s impacts and costs. “Imagine that in just a few years you will be able to buy a ticket for a flight that is clean, quiet and inexpensive,” Kevin Noertker, CEO of Ampaire told Iasaev. “Ampaire is proud to lead the aviation industry in transportation electrification, and we recognize the importance of electric aviation for climate change and community connectivity”.
Ampaire is ambitious to become the first company whose hybrid plane enters commercial production and service the first. It anticipates entry to commercial service with short-haul regional airlines as soon as 2021.