Using insights from the EcoPulse demonstrator, Daher Aircraft is taking a pragmatic approach to a “more electric” airplane it expects to launch in 2027, company CEO Nicolas Chabbert said this week at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. EcoPulse, a TBM 960 fitted with six electric motors on the wing leading edges, “was not a commercial product—it truly was a demonstrator for motors and batteries,” he told AIN. “What we now envision [for a commercial product] is a more electric airplane, likely hybrid-electric and a derivative of one of our existing airplane models,” meaning the TBM 960 or Kodiak 100/900.

According to Chabbert, the company learned a great deal from the 20 EcoPulse test flights. “We learned that we will have to revisit aerodynamics for electric aircraft, as well as make changes to the user interface,” he said, specifically citing the control yoke and power levers. “We also need to clearly outline the desired benefits, as well as the storage, distribution, and use of electric power. Then there’s certification.”

He is also disappointed with the progress on battery technology. “We’re not even close to where they projected 10 years ago,” he said, explaining that battery density was expected to double by now but has increased only by about 10%. “We tested a 360-kilogram battery on EcoPulse and didn’t get the performance that we were hoping, though we did find ways to make better use of the available power. For perspective, a 360-kilogram battery equals about 10 kilograms [22 pounds; about 3.5 gallons] of jet-A.”

Chabbert said Daher polled customers about a more-electric airplane and the response was positive, with “no pushback.” “Whatever we do in this space has to be as safe—or safer—than the products we have today,” he noted. “We’ll also have to go back to basics on aerodynamics. Aircraft are a compromise of weight, power, and flight qualities.

“The way we think of more electric is more assisting,” Chabbert added. “We need to push technology, and our overall objective is carbon neutrality versus electric. The end product has to be fully embraced by our customers.”