Overview of NASA Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) Research for Large Subsonic Transports

TLDR

NASA’s Electrified Aircraft Propulsion research focuses on turboelectric, partially turboelectric, and hybrid electric systems to improve fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise in commercial transport aircraft. The program aims to demonstrate viable EAP concepts for narrow‑body aircraft and mature tall‑pole technologies, with the goal of testing a large‑plane configuration by 2025 and entering service by 2035. Investments target high‑efficiency motors, generators, power distribution, and turbine/BLIS design, while NEAT and HEIST facilities are being built to test these components. Studies and facility development show that the tube‑and‑wing partially turbo‑electric STARC‑ABL configuration is the leading mid‑term (2035) candidate, though other viable options exist.

Abstract

NASA is investing in Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) research as part of the portfolio 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. The goal is to show that one or more viable EAP concepts exist for narrow body aircraft and mature tall-pole technologies related to those concepts. A summary of the aircraft system studies, technology development, and facility development is provided. The leading concept for mid-term (2035) introduction of EAP for a single aisle aircraft is a tube and wing, partially turbo electric configuration (STARC-ABL), however other viable configurations exist. Investments are being made to raise the TRL level of light weight, high efficiency motors, generators, and electrical power distribution systems as well as to define the optimal turbine and boundary layer ingestion systems for a mid-term tube and wing configuration. An electric aircraft power system test facility (NEAT) is under construction at NASA Glenn and an electric aircraft control system test facility (HEIST) is under construction at NASA Armstrong. The correct building blocks are in place to have a viable, large plane EAP configuration tested by 2025 leading to entry into service in 2035 if the community chooses to pursue that goal.