Benefits assessment of a retrofitted training aircraft with a Rotax 916 iS

Pilot training plays an important role in the aerospace industry and must also be aligned with the industry’s objective to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Electrification of training aircraft is a solution already being implemented by training services such as CAE. However, current battery technology is limiting the potential benefits of a direct retrofit aircraft with battery. Therefore, electric aircraft are mainly used for operations close to the airfields such as touch-and-go missions. To support the full training curriculum, part of the aircraft fleet must thus remain equipped with internal combustion engines. Most trainer aircraft fleets are currently equipped with outdated engine technology which could be replaced by modern technology enabling more fuel-efficient operation thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and further reducing the carbon footprint of the overall fleet.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Rancourt

Student:

Partner:

CAE

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Aerospace; Sustainability & the Environment; Technology

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: