Airbus is to collaborate with Rolls-Royce and Siemens in the next phase of its ongoing E-Fan programme to explore hybrid-electric propulsion for commercial aircraft. The E-Fan X technology demonstrator will use a BAe 146 with one of the aircraft's four engines replaced by a 2MW electric motor and fan. Provisions will be made to replace a second gas turbine engine with an electric motor once system maturity is proven. Using a BAe 146 represents a considerable step up in Airbus hybrid-electric research, with the E-Fan programme so far having involved light aircraft, including the e-Genius, E-Star and E-Fan 1.2 as demonstrators.
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