VoltAero unveiled the first Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft, with a five-seat configuration. The aircraft has a clean-sheet airframe design and a proprietary hybrid propulsion system. The aircraft will be powered by a four-cylinder Kawasaki Motors thermal engine, derived from the company’s motorcycle engine products and is set to fly with sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen.
The prototype is planned to perform its maiden flight in late 2023 and will be used to validate both the overall airframe configuration and aerodynamics of VoltAero’s new design for Cassio.
The no.2 Cassio 330’s maiden flight is targeted to be performed in the second quarter of 2024, following the no.1. This second aircraft will be used for the airworthiness certification program and will be equipped with VoltAero’s hybrid propulsion unit, which is composed of the four-cylinder Kawasaki Motors thermal engine and a Safran ENGINeUS smart electric motor.
The no.2 prototype will also have the Avidyne full-definition avionics suite, including a glass cockpit with new-generation Quantum 14-inch displays for single pilot operation, and which is specifically designed for the connected aircraft environment. Avidyne will also perform development in tailoring the avionics for the power management of Cassio’s hybrid propulsion unit
The Cassio aircraft will utilise an electric motor in the fuselage-mounted hybrid propulsion unit for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight – if the distance travelled is under 150km – and landing. The hybrid feature recharges batteries while in flight, allowing it to be considered a range extender. On top of this, the hybrid element can be used as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion.
VoltAero has selected French company AKIRA Technologies for the validation and integration of Cassio’s hybrid propulsion unit. AKIRA Technologies has been given the responsibility of the design and development of the Cassio hybrid propulsion unit’s gearbox, as well as the unit’s mechanical integration and ground testing, along with the test/adaptation of the Kawasaki thermal engine and Safran electric motor.
The Cassio aircraft will be assembled by VoltAero at the Rochefort Charente-Maritime Airport in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.