Inventors:
Lori Costello - Daytona Beach FL, US
Charles Eastlake - Daytona Beach FL, US
Glenn P. Greiner - Daytona Beach FL, US
Assignee:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc. - Daytona Beach FL
International Classification:
B64D 35/08, F01B 21/00
Abstract:
A propeller driven aircraft powered by either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The parallel system hybrid aircraft can takeoff with the internal combustion engine and climb to a cruising altitude. The internal combustion engine then can be turned off and the electric motor turned on to power the aircraft's propeller. The aircraft is capable of alternating operation between the electric motor and internal combustion engine as often as required at altitude. The aircraft can be landed using either the internal combustion engine or the electric motor. The transition of power from the internal combustion engine to the electric motor and back is performed through a hybrid clutch and pulley assembly that interconnects the internal combustion engine propeller flange to the propeller driveshaft. The electric motor is connected to the hybrid assembly through belts and sheaves. The electric motor throttle is controlled in the cockpit.