Cutting Helicopter Fuel Consumption With Hybrid Power

Turbine-electric power could reduce engine size and fuel burn in helicopters, says Safran

Safran has begun studies into the use of hybrid power on helicopters as a way to cut fuel consumption. The French company believes that the right-sizing of engines through the use of a turbine-electric hybrid power system could cut fuel consumption by 10-15%. “The main issue in twin-turbine helicopters is that the engine is sized for one-engine inoperative [OEI] flight,” says Cyrille Poetsche, executive vice president for programs at Safran Helicopter Engines (formerly ... http://aviationweek.com/vertical-flight/cutting-helicopter-fuel-consumption-hybrid-power