GE Research has been granted two projects through ARPA-E’s ASCEND and REEACH programs, which are part of $33 million in funding the agency announced to support 17 various projects to develop hybrid electric aviation systems technology.  

GE Research will design and develop a carbon-neutral, hybrid electric propulsion system capable of powering a commercial narrow body aircraft under the eFLITES and FLyCLEEN projects, respectively. 

The first is a $2.5 million REEACH project focused on developing a multi-megawatt power generation system that turns a carbon neutral biofuel into electricity called FLyCLEEN (FueL CelL Embedded ENgine).

The second is a $2.3 million ASCEND project that involves developing the electric drive, or power train system, which converts that electricity to mechanically drive the propulsor, called eFLITES (Electric Flightworthy Lightweight Integrated Thermally Enhanced Powertrain System).