Skyfly Technologies is opening up the electric propulsion system it built for its own light sport aircraft to other manufacturers, while also revealing a separate hybrid system for unmanned platforms using distributed electric propulsion. Both were shown at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July, alongside a production-spec version of Skyfly's Axe aircraft, which already flies with the electric powertrain.
The propulsion package is designed to meet FAA light sport aircraft rules and will be sold to OEMs as a secondary-market offering, with Skyfly leaving integration choices to individual manufacturers. Its core component is the Integrated Motor Inverter, a combined motor and inverter unit developed with Germany's SciMo, which Skyfly says can serve as a direct replacement for a 100hp Rotax engine. It pairs with a power distribution unit built to LSA safety requirements and an 800V-class battery system, both developed in-house, though full specifications are still to come. Only the Integrated Motor Inverter is currently available for OEM evaluation and integration.
The separate hybrid system targets unmanned aircraft using distributed electric propulsion, using a lightweight, high-power turbine generator to extend range and endurance beyond what battery-electric systems currently allow. Skyfly cites a range of over 400 miles (640km), with in-flight and off-grid ground charging capability. Compatibility with JP8 fuel is intended to open military as well as civil applications. This system, along with the power distribution unit and battery modules, remains under development, with timelines still to be confirmed.
Source: Aerospace Testing International — read the original article