Cessna and Bye Energy Inc have announced a collaboration to design and develop an electrical propulsion system for a Cessna 172 Skyhawk as a proof of concept aircraft.
“As we look at the landscape of alternative fuels for general aviation aircraft, the electric powerplant offers significant benefits, but there are significant challenges to get there,” said Cessna CEO and chairman Jack Pelton. “We believe Bye Energy has gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them.”
Bye Energy is a specialist integrator of clean energy solutions for general aviation and business aircraft, focusing on electric energy propulsion systems and renewable biofuels. The two companies expect the proof of concept aircraft to make first flight by the end of the year.
