BAE Systems has announced that its advanced battery system powered the first flight demonstration of GE Aerospace's hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, marking a milestone in efforts to develop lower-emission commercial aviation technologies.
The demonstration aircraft, a modified Saab 340B, was flown to test hybrid-electric propulsion technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions in future commercial aircraft.
BAE Systems developed and integrated the aircraft's battery energy storage system, including a battery management system using high-performance lithium-ion batteries designed to deliver greater power without significantly increasing aircraft weight.
"Our expertise in advanced battery technology and safety-critical battery management system design was crucial to enabling GE Aerospace to achieve this landmark moment," Trudy Palmer, director of Airborne Power Systems at BAE Systems, said in a statement.
The flight demonstration follows GE Aerospace's successful ground test last month of a fully integrated hybrid-electric powertrain, another key step in validating the technology.
The companies said they will continue flight testing and system refinement as they work toward certification of hybrid-electric propulsion systems, which are being developed as part of the aviation industry's broader effort to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Hybrid-electric propulsion is viewed as a potential technology for future regional and narrow-body aircraft, although commercial deployment remains several years away pending further testing and regulatory certification.
The commercial and defence aerospace sectors across the Western Hemisphere and the Asia-Pacific region reached a significant milestone at the…
Bermuda-based carrier BermudAir has formally announced a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 passenger jets to accelerate its regional network…
Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas has formally expanded its fleet commitment with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The carrier firmed up…
It rained deals during the four trade days of Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The big aircraft OEMs - Airbus, Boeing…
In a decisive move to secure the Royal Air Force next-generation pilot training program, BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab signed…
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Leonardo and Baykar announced that their joint venture, LBA Systems, has reached full operational readiness.…
BAE Systems' FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works have jointly unveiled Blizzard, a novel modular multi-mission uncrewed air system engineered…
Airbus is advancing the development of hybrid-electric aircraft technologies through a €35 million ($41 million) research program aimed at supporting…
Japanese regional carrier Fuji Dream Airlines has placed a firm order for two additional Embraer E175 regional jets, expanding its…
JANA Inc., a U.S.-based aeronautical engineering company, is highlighting its aircraft engineering, technical documentation and certification services at the Farnborough…
Lockheed Martin unveiled its MORFIUS X-Rotor airborne counter-unmanned aerial system at the Farnborough International Airshow. The novel platform utilizes high-power…
Austrian Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, has signed for FlightPulse, a GE Aerospace Software as a Service (SaaS) mobile…
Radar platform company Echodyne has announced the availability of an Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) plugin for its MESA radar…
Eve Air Mobility and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are partnering for an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at…
Safran Landing Systems and Lufthansa Technik signed a 10-year Support and Services Agreement (SSA) at the Farnborough International Airshow for…
MTU Aero Engines secured orders totaling about US$ 500 million, securing multiple engine orders for short- and medium-haul aircraft, long-haul…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), Thales Belgium, Octave Intelligence plc (which includes Luciad NV), and dotOcean have signed a…
Lockheed Martin officially introduced the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Adapted Capability Effector on 20 July 2026 at the Farnborough International Airshow.…
Aerospace components manufacturer PennAero has appointed FDH Aero as a full-line authorized distributor for its portfolio of aerospace fasteners, expanding…
Canadian space technology company MDA Space announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 that it has signed a pre-authorization agreement…
British aerospace company Martin-Baker showcased its latest military escape systems at the Farnborough International Airshow, highlighting the company's next-generation Mk18…
The United States faces growing competition from Europe as governments increase investment in aerospace and defense industries to attract manufacturers,…
Saudi Arabia's The Helicopter Company (THC) has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier to acquire up to 60 business…
Boeing is considering establishing multiple production sites around the world for its MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat aircraft as it…
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that U.S. aerospace company Relativity Space will expand its operations on Florida's Space Coast,…
Jordan's King Abdullah II toured the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 on Wednesday, visiting exhibits showcasing the latest developments in aerospace,…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a long-term agreement for the production and supply of turbine…
CAE and ADM Aéroports de Montréal have signed an agreement to advance the development of the YMX Control Centre. The…
Lockheed Martin and Leonardo are cooperating for increased potential future MRO services for the fleet of C-130J Super Hercules airlifters…
BAE Systems has unveiled Brontanax, the United Kingdom's first autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), marking a significant milestone in the…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2026. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
