EcoPulse, the distributed hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft demonstrator developed in collaboration by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, has successfully completed its flight test campaign, providing essential insights to achieve the air transport decarbonization objectives set for 2050. This joint initiative, which represents a significant achievement for the French aerospace industry, has offered invaluable experience in the design, certification, production, and operation of hybrid-electric aircraft.
The inaugural hybrid-electric test flight of EcoPulse took place on November 29, 2023, at Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport. Since that initial flight, EcoPulse has logged 100 flight hours and conducted approximately 50 test flights.
The results from the flight tests have provided valuable insights, including a thorough evaluation of the maturity of hybridization technologies, an assessment of their performance when integrated into the aircraft, and the identification of operational constraints.