Eco Caravan

The Eco Caravan uses Ampaire’s AMP-H570 AMP Drive propulsion unit, comprising a 550-horsepower compression-ignition engine and electric motor. Both the engine and motor provide torque to the propeller directly. Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker said the hybrid system meets aviation’s two-phase power requirements better than traditional combustion engines.

“Historically, aviation has been unkind to engines,” Noertker said, explaining that aircraft need phenomenal power for takeoff, but then throttle back significantly for cruise. “What that leaves in a traditional engine is an inefficient engine.”

The compression-ignition engine, also known as a diesel cycle engine, runs on Jet A or sustainable aviation fuel and provides the base load of power for the Ampaire system. The lithium-ion-based electric vehicle system provides the excess power for phases of flight that need it. A pilot might taxi on electric power, take off on dual power, and switch to the combustion engine for cruise. The system uses a charging system similar to an EV plug but is not dependent on charging infrastructure; the batteries can recharge from excess engine power in cruise, descent, and landing.

The Eco Caravan first flew in 2022, and the company hopes to certify the retrofit by the end of 2025.

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