Another notable Russian initiative in the field of hybrid power plants (HPU) for aviation, the Yak-40LL flying laboratory, has begun flight tests.
The world’s first electric airplane engine, driven by high-temperature superconductors, is part of the installation (HTSC). The aircraft’s two turbojet engines are supplemented with a 500-kilowatt electric motor that drives the propeller.
“This year, CIAM intends to begin development on an HCS with a multiple of 1.5-2.0 MW. It will be distinguished by the use of liquid hydrogen as a fuel and refrigerant, as well as a more powerful drive based on the VK-2500 engine “According to the statement.
As reported by the press service, reducing the temperature allows electric machines based on HTSC to almost quadruple their power while keeping their weight and size features.
CIAM previously announced intentions to convert the VK-2500 engine to hydrogen fuel. According to preliminary estimates, such a procedure may take up to five years. A hydrogen aircraft demonstration might also come after 2035, according to reports.
Hydrogen fuel was previously solely employed in the domestic aviation sector during the Soviet period. A Tu-155 laboratory aircraft with an experimental NK-88 engine that ran on liquid hydrogen completed a flying cycle in 1988.
