December 10th, 2023

AIRBUS’ ECOPULSE TAKES FIRST FLIGHT WITH BATTERIES ON BOARD

December 10, 2023

EcoPulse is a distributed hybrid-propulsion demonstrator aircraft co-developed by Airbus, Daher and Safran. Designed to learn and mature the technological bricks of hybrid-electric propulsion systems for future aircraft, EcoPulse reached a milestone when the demonstrator took off on its first test flight.
EcoPulse took off for its inaugural test flight from the scenic Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport, nestled at the foot of the Pyrénées mountain range in southwest France. Two experimental Daher pilots were onboard the demonstrator, a modified Daher TBM 900 turboprop aircraft. While take off and landing used the traditional propulsion engine, the hybrid-propulsion system was activated at cruising altitude, where the pilots spent around 20 minutes running testing sequences on the battery while it was powering the flight.
All aspects of the different systems, from the way the aircraft responds to the way the power sources are used, were previously simulated digitally and tested by the pilots on the ground. This theoretical data can now be compared with the real flight test data to help the teams better refine the simulator and improve the performance of the different innovative technology components.
Airbus, Daher and Safran divided the responsibilities of developing the different EcoPulse technologies based on their complementary expertises. Airbus’ contributions to the demonstrator are the development of the high-energy-density battery that powers the propulsors; the aerodynamic and acoustic integration of the distributed-propulsion system; and the development of a flight control computer system.
Flight testing of the demonstrator will last until mid-2024 at the latest, and will include up to 30 test flights.
(Source and image: Airbus)

NORWAY AND UK LIFT SUPER PUMA HELICOPTER BAN

July 10, 2017

On 29 April 2016, 13 people died when a CHC operated Super Puma helicopter, en route from Gullfaks B to Flesland, near Bergen, went down. A technical fault...

Read More+

VIETNAM DRILLING IN SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTED WATERS

July 10, 2017

BBC News and several news agencies including Reuters reported that Vietnam is carrying out drilling operations in the Block 136-03 of the South China Sea....

Read More+

SACGASCO TO DRILL DEMPSEY WELL IN THE SACRAMENTO BASIN

July 10, 2017

Sacramento Basin-focused natural gas developer and producer, Sacgasco Limited, an Australian-based energy company focused on conventional gas exploration...

Read More+

RIO GRANDE LNG TO SUPPORT BAHIA GRANDE RESTORATION PROJECT

July 10, 2017

The Brownsville Navigation District (“BND”) Board of Commissioners announced today a provisional commitment by Rio Grande LNG towards the restoration,...

Read More+

NEW METHANE CRATERS IN YAMAL PENINSULA

July 09, 2017

The Siberian Times reported that Russian scientists have located two fresh methane craters formed on Yamal peninsula this year, with the latest exploding...

Read More+

GEOSEA ACQUIRES A2SEA

July 08, 2017

DONG Energy and Siemens signed an agreement with Belgian GeoSea stating that GeoSea will acquire the full ownership of A2SEA. A2SEA will continue to operate...

Read More+

APACHE SELLS CANADIAN ASSETS TO PARAMOUNT

July 08, 2017

Apache Corporation announced today it will complete an exit from Canada upon the closing of three recent transactions. Apache has agreed to sell its Apache...

Read More+

PETRO MATAD DRILLING CAMPAIGN IN WESTERN MONGOLIA

July 07, 2017

Petro Matad advised that a comprehensive drilling contract has now been signed with China’s Sinopec and that the initial drilling targets have been selected...

Read More+

REGAL COMPLETES TESTING OF MEX-GOL/SV/VAS FIELDS IN UKRAINE

July 07, 2017

Regal Petroleum announces an update of its operational activities at its Ukrainian gas and condensate fields, which comprise the Mekhediviska-Golotvshinska...

Read More+

STATOIL TO DEVELOP SNEFRID NORD

July 07, 2017

Statoil and partners have decided to develop the Snefrid Nord gas discovery near the Aasta Hansteen field in the Norwegian Sea. The discovery, scheduled...

Read More+

TIMOR GAP IDENTIFIES WORLD-CLASS PROSPECTS OFFSHORE TIMOR LESTE

July 06, 2017

TIMOR GAP E.P., the national oil company of Timor-Leste, was awarded PSC TL-SO-15-01 with 100% interest through Timor-Leste Government Resolution No. 44/2015...

Read More+

OTTO FARMS INTO SOUTH TIMBALIER

July 06, 2017

Otto Energy Limited announced it has farmed into Houston Energy’s South Timbalier 224 (ST 224) lease in the Gulf Of Mexico shelf, for a 25% working...

Read More+