Kahului, Hawaii based Mokulele Airlines has joined with California-based Ampaire to begin testing the second prototype Cessna 337 “Electric EEL” hybrid-electric aircraft conversion. Ampaire successfully flew the second demonstrator on September 10. The new prototype builds on previous aircraft that the company has test flown in other markets.
Ampaire’s Second Hybrid-Electric Preps for Flight Trials in Hawaii
Key Takeaways:
- Mokulele Airlines and Ampaire are testing the second prototype "Electric EEL," a hybrid-electric Cessna 337 aircraft, on Hawaiian air routes for real-world demonstration flights.
- This aircraft, dubbed the "Hawai'i Bird," is the first electrically powered aircraft to fly under an FAA "market survey" experimental certificate.
- It aims to cut direct operating costs and emissions by 40-50%, significantly contributing to Hawaii's goal of 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2045.
- The updated design features a hybrid powertrain (conventional rear, electric front), with the battery pack moved to an external shell and an improved liquid-cooled electric power unit, capable of covering most Mokulele routes round trip.
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