The ATL-100 turboprop, from Brazilian start-up Desaer, has not even started to have the first prototype assembled, but the company is already planning a new hybrid version of the aircraft.
On Tuesday, the company founded by former Embraer employees announced a partnership with magniX, a US company that is developing electric engines for aviation.
Under the agreement, Desaer will market the ATL-100H, a four-engine hybrid variant. In addition to the two conventional turboprop engines, the aircraft will have two magni350 electric propulsion units installed on the outside of the wings.
According to the two companies, the ATL-100H will be able to save between 25% and 40% of fuel, depending on the distance traveled. For the Brazilian start-up, the hybrid will be a springboard for an all-electric aircraft to be developed by Desaer.
The ATL-100H and future versions of the aircraft will enable customers and operators to achieve carbon emission reduction targets, while maintaining the low operating costs offered by DESAER’s ATL family of aircraft,” said Evandro Fileno, Desaer’s CEO.
Seattle-based MagniX has already tested its engines by equipping a DHC-2 Beaver and a Cessna Grand Caravan. The company is also a supplier of the 100% electric Alice plane, from Eviation, which should fly for the first time soon.
Desaer, in turn, intends to start the construction of its assembly line in Brazil in the first quarter of 2022.
