Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP)

Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) is the use of propulsors (propellers or fans) driven by electric motors to propel aircraft ranging from air taxis to subsonic transports. NASA is developing technology, aircraft concepts, test aircraft, and ground test facilities to turn this idea from science fiction to reality. Lessons learned will have a positive impact on the economy of the U.S.

Current Activities

EAP work is performed under four different projects addressing complementary aspects of this idea.

Advanced Air Transport Technology/Hybrid Gas-Electric Propulsion (AATT/HGEP)is developing power systems that are much lighter and more efficient to enable EAP for single-aisle aircraft like the Boeing 737.

x-57 maxwell — NASA X-57 is our first all-electric aircraft and is being used to show the benefits of distributed propulsion and help with the development of aircraft standards.

Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) is exploring Urban Air Mobility and has produced a collection of reference vehicle designs 9017 investment. RVLT will also be working to develop standards.

CAS Activities — Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) demonstrates the feasibility of breakthrough ideas. Under CAS, several EAP activities have been undertaken.

Technology

High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM)

Challenge: Cannot have motors with high specific power and low loss unless there is a breakthrough Physics: A better magnet results in a better motor: ...

Soft Magnetic Materials

In broad terms, magnetic materials are classified as being either “hard” or “soft.” This distinction refers to the relative ease of magnetizing or ...

EAP for Larger Aircraft

Under parts of the Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) Project, NASA is investing in Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) research to improve the fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise levels in commercial transport aircraft. Turboelectric, partially turboelectric, and hybrid electric propulsion systems are the primary EAP configurations being evaluated for regional jet and larger aircraft. Read more…

EAP Elements of the NASA Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan

EAP elements of NASA Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan

This Strategic Implementation Plan is a living document through which NASA communicates with stakeholders and the research community. View/Download the ...

Long-term aeronautics research has long provided the basis for new concepts leading to industry innovation and societal benefits. The future holds new challenges for the aviation system, including continuing growth to meet emerging global demand, integration of unmanned aircraft systems and other innovative vehicle concepts to serve myriad needs, and proactive adaptability to changing conditions – all with minimum adverse impact on the environment. To address these challenges, ARMD will continue its role of undertaking research and development that falls outside the scale, risk, and payback criteria that govern commercial investments.

ARMD’s strategy will continue to focus on high-impact research investments that will enable the transformation of aviation to serve future needs, produce demonstrable benefits, and leverage technology advances outside of, as well as within, traditional aviation disciplines. Major technology foci include alternative fuels and electric or hybrid propulsion, low-sonic-boom supersonic flight, automation and autonomy, and technology convergence to develop transformative solutions, with the ultimate goal of enabling a safe, efficient, adaptive, scalable, and environmentally sustainable global aviation system.

Download the NASA Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan