Helicopter Hybridisation - The Key for Drastic Reductions of Fuel Burn and Emissions

Abstract

With the objective to secure the future of the helicopter in times of strongly growing fuel prices, a hybrid drive system is proposed, consisting of Diesel engines, generators and electric engines, replacing turbines, gear boxes and the tail rotor drive train. Instead the electric-engines will drive the main and tail rotor and will thereby allow new degrees of freedom in design and operation. The hybridisation has become attractive by the appearance of advanced high torque, low weight electric motors, high power density batteries and new efficient Diesel engines. The advantages of such systems become visible mainly for missions with moderate TOW or over long distances, since here the beneficial effects of rpm reduction and lower fuel burn dominate.