Development, Systems Integration, and Flight Testing of an 80 kW Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System

We propose to design an autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft with a gross weight of 800 lbs that will incorporate LaunchPoint’s hybrid electric generator and power management system and phase-controlled motor/drive technology. The resulting aircraft will be capable of vertical takeoff and landing, long range, and quiet flight. In Phase I, Georgia Tech will design the aircraft that will integrate the hybrid propulsion system. This aircraft will be based on a single seat experimental category homebuilt aircraft that will be modified with hybrid electric propulsion components. LaunchPoint will refine the hybrid system design and will develop interlocks, connectors, and other safety systems for aircraft integration.  LaunchPoint and Georgia Tech will jointly develop thermal management solutions that optimize heat rejection while minimizing vehicle drag.  We will also conduct a reliability/safety analysis and refine the design based on the results. The target customer is the USAF Special Operations Command who could deploy the aircraft for long range delivery of 100 lbs of cargo to special operations teams, with quiet operations near the landing zone. This project will refine LaunchPoint’s hybrid electric system for commercial sales for 700-1000 lbs class fixed wing and VTOL drones for cargo delivery and other applications.