There was me, a few weeks ago, claiming there are few hybrid aircraft around... and here's another one.

Small gas engine in the nose, fly by wire,  blown lift, 30 knots takeoff. Super short landing and takeoff. 😲

This is the demonstrator, but they have a 9 passenger version they're working on. 

 

 

 

Edited October 4, 2025Oct 4 by martin-w

The STOL capability is impressive and makes this thing quite useful for short runways that regular planes can't use.

It uses a small gas *turbine* engine to produce the electricity for the prop motors, and gas turbines use a lot of fuel compared to reciprocating engines.  Gas turbine engines are also quite loud, although maybe with soundproofing plus the special propellers it is indeed quieter than comparable planes using reciprocating engines.

The website claims it uses 40% less fuel than comparable aircraft on a 100 mile route, so that's pretty good, however that likely doesn't take into account the energy needed to charge the batteries.  Moreover, the batteries only provide boost power for takeoff and landing together with the gas turbine engine driven generator, and the turbogenerator alone is used for cruise power.  

All in all a pretty cool little plane.

Dave

Im thinking they went for a small gas turbine due to the power to weight ratio. 

The website says...

"The hybrid-electric propulsion system gives operators maximum flexibility to optimize the choice of energy use, with electric power for clean, quiet operations near populated areas, low to no fuel burn on shorter routes, and a hybrid mix to fly longer routes and comply with regulatory fuel reserve requirements."

Looks like electric is for more than just takeoff and landing. Low to no fuel burn on short routes and hybrid for longer routes. Operator flexibility.

 

150 feet to takeoff and land is quite something.

The batteries are charged by the gas turbine, so yes, I would think the 40% includes battery charging.

Edited October 5, 2025Oct 5 by martin-w