Clicky

Daily Insight: Friday 14 June 2019: Will Airbus replace A320 with a hybrid?

Care to share?

News

A number of news outlets indicate that Airbus is considering a new narrow-body aircraft to replace the A320neo in the 2035 timeframe, and that the new aircraft could be a hybrid.  That would represent a marked shift in technology away from traditional propulsion to drive turbofans with electric motors in cruise mode, utilizing conventional technology for take-offs and landings.

To justify an all-new aircraft, Airbus will need a 20% increment in fuel economy.  While the existing engines powering the A320neo should gain another 8-10% in efficiency over the next 10-15 years, it will be improvements in aerodynamics, redesigned wings, and the use of additional composite materials to reach that goal.

Analysis

The current crisis with the Boeing 737 might result in an earlier than 2032 timeframe for a new Boeing narrow-body, some years ahead of Airbus

plans for a game changing advanced technology model. If Boeing comes to market earlier with a new technology aircraft, not necessarily hybrid, could that impact the market and potentially force a new aircraft before the hybrid technology required for more fuel efficiency is available?

A number of news outlets indicate that Airbus is considering a new narrow-body aircraft to replace the A320neo in the 2035 timeframe and that the new aircraft could be a hybrid.  That would represent a marked shift in technology away from traditional propulsion to drive turbofans with electric motors in cruise mode, utilizing conventional technology for take-offs and landings.

To justify an all-new aircraft, Airbus will need a 20% increment in fuel economy.  While the existing engines powering the A320neo should gain another 8-10% in efficiency over the next 10-15 years, it will be improvements in aerodynamics, redesigned wings, and the use of additional composite materials to reach that goal.


Subscriber content – Sign in

[maxbutton id=”1″ ]  [maxbutton id=”2″ ]