Why Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Will Lead the Way in VTOL

by Saleem Zaheer

As developments in the evolving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) space gradually continue, the market for passenger Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) air mobility is bifurcating into:

- All-electric “e-VTOL” aircraft. Electric motors powered by batteries, providing lower noise and zero direct emissions, with accompanying range limitations.

- Hybrid-electric “he-VTOL” aircraft. Electric motors powered by a combination of generators driven by a turbine or piston engine, and batteries, enabling long-range, high-speed, all-weather operation.

While there are a few hydrogen fuel cell aircraft under development which promise longer flight times and range, the ecosystem required for wide deployment of…