The HPU 210 hybrid power unit (HPU) is equipped with Kawasaki’s H2SX thermal engine, which provides maximum power of 150 kW, along with a 60-kW electric motor. In typical operation, the thermal engine delivers baseline propulsive power, while the electric motor kicks in during high-power demand situations, boosting power by 40%, resulting in shorter takeoff distances, enhanced obstacle clearance, and increased cruise speeds, according to company officials.
Experimental Aircraft
New book on building a kit airplane released
“This is the book I wish I had before I started my kit airplane project,” says author Elby Gray.
FAA memo returns airport flexibility in flight testing
“Needlessly limiting airports during flight testing is detrimental to safety and the flight testing process itself.”
Latest figures show drop in fatal accidents in experimental aircraft
While the final totals are still being tabulated, the initial total of 37 accidents is well below the FAA’s not-to-exceed figure of 46 for the period, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). That includes 29 fatal accidents in homebuilt aircraft.
Pilot seriously injured when experimental crashes
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Microair launches T3000 skySuite
The suite includes the T3000 skyNav navigation sensor and instruments, the T3000 skyWave Nav Comms, and the T3000 skyLink Mode S and ADS-B transponder.
Dream Take Flight
Building her airplane was a total labor of love, says Lisa Turner, who adds: “I knew I loved aviation when I got started, but building that plane was also a process I fell in love with.”
Pictures of the Day: Winging its way westward
Chris Gardiner submitted thes photos and note: “A 2/3 replica Ferguson Spitfire winging its way westward to its new owner in Red Deer, Alberta, courtesy of Simon Hitchen, pilot in command.”
Problems with fuel pump contributes to homebuilt’s crash
A total loss of engine power due to intermittent operation of both the engine-driven fuel pump and the electric boost pump. Contributing was the pilot’s delay in rejecting the takeoff, after the initial loss of engine power, which resulted in a collision with terrain.