Industry Wright Electric launches first zero-emissions airliner for regional market

Wright Electric has announced the launch of a new zero-emission aircraft for the commercial market.

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Over the course of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference currently held in Glasgow, Scotland, Wright Electric has announced a new aircraft that features zero-emission operations. The Wright Spirit is building on the Bae 146 platform and could be used by regional operators.

Incorporated into the new Wright Spirit will be Wright´s megawatt-class electric propulsion system. As the aircraft is based on the Bae 146, it will be able to accommodate up to 100 passengers on board. The aircraft will be suitable for carriers that operate regional flights with one-hour flight time.

Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright, commented: “Aviation has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but Wright is committed to a 100% reduction in all emissions starting in 2026 […] Because we built the world's largest aerospace propulsive powertrain, we can build the world's largest zero-emissions retrofit directly serving the world's busiest routes.”

Early last year, the company announced its megawatt propulsion system, and the company has now been working on implementing this innovation into regional aircraft. The system includes a high-power density inverter and a 2,700 HP motor.

“We can make a significant impact on global emissions by targeting this high-demand segment of the market,” said Engler. The company stated that city pairs with high density are a targeted market for the Spirit. Pairs likes London-Paris, San Francisco-Los Angeles or Seoul-Jeju.

Flights of the zero-emissions could start as early as in 2026. Now, Wright will proceed with ground tests and in 2023, flight test campaigns could begin with one all-electric propulsor. By 20204, two propulsors will be tested and by 2026, the aircraft should be full-electric.

The project is backed by companies like NASA, easyJet, Viva Aerobus, the Department of Energy and many other industry partners.

Source © weflywright.com

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