US 11,912,422 B2
Hybrid electric aircraft and powerplant arrangements
Jean Thomassin, Ste Julie (CA); and Todd A. Spierling, Rockford, IL (US)
Assigned to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION, Charlotte, NC (US); and PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed by Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., Longueuil (CA); and Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed on Aug. 20, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/998,881.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/891,827, filed on Aug. 26, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0061481 A1, Mar. 4, 2021
Int. Cl. B64D 27/24 (2006.01); B64D 27/12 (2006.01); B64D 27/02 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 27/24 (2013.01) [B64D 27/12 (2013.01); B64D 2027/026 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A hybrid electric powerplant arrangement for an aircraft, comprising:
a first wing pair of powerplants for a first wing of the aircraft, the first wing pair comprising a first electric powerplant configured to drive a first air mover and a first heat engine powerplant configured to drive a second air mover separate from the first air mover;
a second wing pair of powerplants for a second wing of the aircraft, the second wing pair comprising a second electric powerplant configured to drive a third air mover separate from the first and second air movers, and a second heat engine powerplant configured to drive a fourth air mover separate from the first, second, and third air movers; and
a common controller configured to operate each of the powerplants, wherein the common controller is configured to divide power between heat engine power and electric power;
wherein the first heat engine and the first electric powerplant are each configured to provide power to the aircraft during a takeoff phase and during a climb phase;
wherein the first heat engine is configured to provide power to the aircraft during a cruise phase and a descent phase;
wherein the first electric powerplant is configured to be depowered during the cruise phase and the descent phase.