Ricardo signs deal to develop hybrid-electric aerospace technology
Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental and engineering consulting company with an office at Surrey Research Park, has signed a multi-year partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada.
The deal will see Ricardo working alongside Pratt & Whitney on the development of advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for the aircraft of the future.
Adrian Schaffer, President of Emerging Mobility at Ricardo, said: “We’re delighted to have signed this deal with Pratt & Whitney Canada. It represents a significant milestone for our business, as we look to expand our capabilities and footprint in North America and explore new opportunities supporting the decarbonisation of the global aerospace sector.
“This project will help us build on our existing reputation for the innovative design and delivery of future-forward solutions for aerospace customers, creating clean, efficient, and integrated propulsion systems for next generation aircraft and building on our vision of creating a safe and sustainable world.”
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The project is part of Pratt & Whitney’s wider regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator programme, which is targeting a 30 per cent improvement in fuel efficient and commensurate reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the most advanced turboprop engines currently available.
Jean Thomassin, Executive Director of new products and services at Pratt & Whitney Canada, said: “Hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a core element of our strategy for continually advancing the efficiency of aircraft propulsion systems, in support of the industry-wide goal of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions for aviation by 2050.
“Our collaboration with Ricardo brings valuable expertise around component design, system integration, and testing, which will ultimately enable us to demonstrate the potential of this technology, with ground testing starting later this year and eventual flight tests in 2024.”
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