Testing of the world's first hybrid aircraft engine started in Russia

As it was reported in the press service of the Foundation for Advanced Study, ground checks of a completely new superconducting aircraft electric unit began in Novosibirsk. This unique development has no analogues in the world.

The next stage of testing a superconducting engine

So, on February 5, 2021, a specially modernized Yak-40 flying laboratory, one of the tail units was replaced with turbo-shaft gas turbine with an electric generator, and a new superconducting engine was mounted in the bow, performed its first "walk" along the runway airfield.

Such maneuvers are needed to check the operation of the entire power plant as a whole, the aircraft itself and all systems while driving on the runway.

So, as a result of such flights, the engineers were convinced of the correctness of the selected technical solutions. The scientists also emphasized that the installed electric motor and on-board electronics worked properly. The main modes of operation of the superconducting engine were also checked: cooling down, start-up, shutdown and operating mode under load.

For reference. The engine installed in the bow of the Yak-40 is a unit that uses the effect of high-temperature superconductivity in its work. This engine was created in ZAO SuperOx, and the Advanced Technologies Fund ordered all this work.

This installation was created as part of the Kontur project, which was launched in 2016. According to the project, it is necessary to create new electric power systems that would use the principle of high-temperature superconductivity in their work. And also to develop technologies for the production of high-temperature tape-type conductors.

What are superconducting motors for?

The use of superconducting technologies allows for a significantly increased current density, as well as significantly increases the main characteristics of electric motors and cables.

According to the representatives of the Fund, the acquired technological advantage within the framework of the Kontur project provides a perspective a twofold increase in the specific power of electric motors, as well as a significant decrease in fuel consumption in the hybrid complex installations.

The technologies created open up prospects for the development of full-fledged engines and electric power systems for all-electric aircraft and helicopters.

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