Swiss company H55, a spinoff of the Solar Impulse project that has been developing an electric powertrain for general aviation use, has been awarded a design organisation approval (DOA) by EASA. This is a critical step for the company to obtain certification of its propulsion systems, and H55 is now seeking approval of its 100kW electric powertrain. Specifically designed for CS23-type aircraft, this power system is expected to be certified by the end of 2023 –it already power Bristell’s B23 Energic two-seater which was presented at AERO 2022 in April.

Flying schools will be the initial target market for H55, the B23 Energic being commercially available from 2024. Pratt & Whitney Canada has also chosen H55 for a major project in hybrid electric aviation.

Image: Bristell