Cessna Aircraft Co. is collaborating with Bye Energy, Inc. to design and develop an electric propulsion system for a Cessna 172 proof-of-concept (POC) aircraft.
“As we look at the landscape of alternative fuels for general aviation aircraft, the electric power plant offers significant benefits, but there are significant challenges to get there,” said Jack Pelton, Cessna’s chairman, president and CEO. “We believe Bye Energy has gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them.”
George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy Inc., thanked Cessna for its collaboration. “We are honored to work with Cessna in accomplishing the proof of concept endeavor. Cessna’s support of the electric and electric-hybrid program is vital to moving general aviation into the future,” he said.
First flight of the electric-powered Cessna 172 Skyhawk POC is expected to take place by year end.
For more information: Cessna.com or ByeEnergy.com.