CPC B64D 27/24 (2013.01) [B64D 27/12 (2013.01); B64D 2027/026 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
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.
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