Vertical noted that many of the advancements in battery technology have emerged from the automotive sector, but these batteries are “not optimized for aviation gravimetric energy or power density requirements.”  

Rolls-Royce has developed ACCEL to beat the current electric aircraft speed record of 210 mph.

Hyundai Motor is continuing to build out the infrastructure side of its initiative to begin commercial urban air mobility (UAM) services by 2028.

An intermediate engine between the current LEAP turbofan and one that would enter service in 2035 with slashed greenhouse gas emissions is not in the cards, according to Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin.

Drawing on government funding into hydrogen propulsion, the manufacturer is working to define a commercial airliner to enter service in 2035.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has accomplished what it described as the world’s first successful landing of a UAV at a major airport while integrating the vehicle into commercial traffic.

Universal Hydrogen has selected MagniX to provide the electric propulsion system for its planned conversion of the de Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 regional turboprop to hydrogen fuel-cell power. 

Coming evolution toward electric and/or hydrogen propulsion for aircraft will create challenges as well as opportunities for MRO providers.