GE Begins Testing Hybrid Aircraft Engine After Years of Anticipation

Company is exploring ‘megawatt-class’ propulsion systems under a contract with NASA.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, June 04, 2026 at 03:11 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

GE Aerospace’s hybrid electric engine system, developed in partnership with NASA, has been put through its first fully integrated ground tests. [Credit: GE Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

GE Aerospace successfully completed its first ground test of a fully integrated, megawatt-class hybrid-electric powertrain, marking a significant step toward future hybrid-electric commercial aircraft.
Developed under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program, this system combines an electric powertrain with a traditional gas turbine to enhance aircraft durability, range, and fuel efficiency.
The ground tests, which simulated various flight phases, pave the way for upcoming flight tests on a Saab 340B and underscore GE's commitment to advancing sustainable aviation.
GE's efforts extend beyond this achievement, involving further NASA collaborations (like the HyTEC project) and a $300 million investment in Beta Technologies to mature hybrid-electric propulsion across various aircraft types.

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Several airlines’ ambitions for hybrid-electric aviation may have been dashed this week following the bankruptcy of Dutch manufacturer Maeve Aerospace. But as one company searches for a new path forward, another is preparing for hybrid-electric flight tests.

GE Aerospace said Thursday that it completed its first ground test of a fully integrated, hybrid-electric powertrain that it described as “megawatt-class.” Developed through NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program under a five-year, $260 million contract, the system combines an electric powertrain and traditional gas turbine that GE believes will deliver improvements in durability, range, and efficiency.