CPC B64D 31/06 (2013.01) [B64D 27/02 (2013.01); B64D 27/24 (2013.01); B64D 35/08 (2013.01); B64D 41/00 (2013.01); B64D 2027/026 (2013.01)] | 13 Claims |
1. A method comprising:
setting a start speed for a thermal engine of a hybrid-electric power plant in an aircraft based on ambient conditions;
using an electric motor to start the thermal engine by bringing the thermal engine to the start speed and limiting a torque output of the electric motor to prevent mechanical failure when mechanical rotation of the electric motor is hindered, wherein:
the electric motor and thermal engine are connected to one another as the electric motor and the thermal engine of the hybrid-electric power plant in the aircraft;
the electric motor is connected to a combining gear box;
the thermal engine is connected to the combining gear box so that the electric motor and the thermal engine can provide torque to the combining gear box in a parallel hybrid-electric configuration;
flying the aircraft through a mission of take-off, climb, cruise, and landing without using the electric motor as a generator;
after using the electric motor to start the thermal engine:
powering the aircraft with the hybrid-electric power plant with combined power from the electric motor and the thermal engine driving the combining gear box through take-off; and
powering the aircraft with the hybrid-electric power plant with combined power from the electric motor and the thermal engine driving the combining gear box while climbing to cruise altitude.
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