NASA
Nasa illustration of an advanced subsonic aircraft with an electrified aircraft propulsion system. Credits: Nasa.

US space agency Nasa is seeking proposals for demonstrations of integrated electrified powertrain systems for subsonic aircraft.

The ground and flight demonstrations will accelerate the maturing and transition process of integrated Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) technologies and associated EAP vision systems.

The integrated megawatt-class powertrain systems are expected to be introduced into the global fleet by 2035.

The deadline for submission is 20 April.

Nasa’s Integrated Aviation System Program director Lee Noble said: “The release of this request for proposals represents an important next step as Nasa partners with industry to further mature critical EAP technologies through demonstrating integrated megawatt-class powertrain systems in flight.

“These flight demonstrations have strong applicability to sustainable and highly-efficient aircraft powertrain systems that will facilitate continued US competitiveness for the next generation of commercial transport aircraft.”

Integrated EAP electrical systems are designed to replace or enhance fuel-burning aircraft propulsion systems.

Nasa also aims to identify and address gaps in regulations and standards through the demonstration.

The agency also plans to gain essential ground and flight test data to proceed with design and modelling tools.

Studies conducted by Nasa and the industry have revealed that EAP concepts minimise energy usage, as well as carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Target markets for the technology include turboprops, regional jets, and single-aisle aircraft serving the thin-haul, regional, and single-aisle markets.