Ampaire's hybrid turboprop replacement advances

The AMP-H570 flown on Ampaire’s Eco Caravan (which has also completed ground tests burning sustainable fuel) has demonstrated “more than double the fuel efficiency of conventional aircraft in flight tests,” the company noted in a May 13 press release. The U.S. Air Force has funded a program to fit the AMP-H570 on a Beechcraft King Air, and other manufacturers are exploring integration of both series and parallel configurations into new aircraft.

“The FAA’s issuance of the G-1 Certification Basis for the AMP-H570 is a major step forward in commercializing hybrid electric propulsion,” said Kevin Noertker, cofounder and CEO of Ampaire. “This milestone demonstrates that we are executing on our regulatory roadmap, removing risk for investors and customers, and accelerating real-world deployment.”

The AMP-H570 is “similar in principle to early automotive hybrids,” the company noted. The combustion engine charges the battery in flight, and the aircraft does not require recharging on the ground. It is designed to be a “plug-and-play solution for operators,” who will be able to retrofit the hybrid powertrain in various aircraft, once it is certified.

The next step forward for the hybrid propulsion system is FAA approval of the means of compliance with the certification standards now agreed on. The company expects to achieve certification for the powertrain by the end of 2026.