Photo: United Engine Corporation
The United Engine Corporation has designed and manufactured a 100kW hybrid power unit demonstrator (GPU) which can be used in advanced aircraft, including light utility helicopters and drones. The first tests have shown that the adopted engineering solutions were correct.
The GPU demonstrator being developed by UEC-Klimov’s company in St.Petersburg consists of a generation system (gas turbine engine and electric generator), automatic control system and several key electric units.
“Hybrid power unit is one of the most promising projects in aircraft engineering. Its applications include drones, air taxi, light utility helicopters and planes, and business aviation. Such power unit will help improve aircraft performance and flight safety as well as create aircraft with new architecture. The GPU-100 tests have shown that we are going the right way,” said Oleg Evtushenko, Rostec's Executive Director.
During the tests, the personnel also adjusted the interaction between the GPU components, ensured automatic operation mode in main configurations - electric, turboelectric and hybrid.
