Hybrid Electric Plane

Mission

To reduce the carbon footprint left behind by regional turboprop aircraft.

The challenge

As global sea levels rise, our planet is in desperate need of changing the way we travel. Electric and hybrid cars have become commonplace, however much of the world still relies on aircraft to travel distances that are too far for a land vehicle. Although fully electric aircraft are under development by a few companies, their range is what inhibits them from being popular among airlines. A hybrid electric aircraft would allow the range to be increased substantially, with a fraction of carbon emissions produced by traditional regional turboprop aircraft.

The solution

Aircrafts are a vital form of transportation that cannot be replaced. From transporting people, to delivering necessary aid to remote parts of the world. Instead, I propose creating a hybrid electric turboprop aircraft, which would replace the aging and inefficient ATR-72/42 aircraft. The aircraft would use a small jet engine, about the size of those used on a helicopter, to power a generator unit which would charge internal batteries as it flew, giving it an extended range. Having one small generator would greatly decrease the fuel consumption and maintenance costs, saving money in the long run.