Pratt & Whitney Canada Kicks Off Ground Testing for Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator

Propulsion system aims to boost fuel efficiency by 30 percent in regional turboprop missions. 

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s hybrid-electric propulsion system undergoes ground testing in Longueuil, Quebec, marking a key milestone in the development of fuel-efficient hybrid technology. [Credit: RTX]

Key Takeaways:

Pratt & Whitney Canada has initiated ground testing of its RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator propulsion system in Longueuil, Quebec, prior to its installation on a de Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 experimental aircraft for a first flight expected in 2027.
The hybrid-electric system combines an advanced thermal engine with a 1-megawatt electric motor and battery, designed to enhance fuel efficiency and performance, targeting up to 30 percent improvement for regional turboprop missions.
This program is a collaborative effort involving various aerospace industry companies and research institutions, supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Pratt & Whitney Canada has begun ground testing of the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program. The flight-standard propulsion system and propeller is being put through its paces in Longueuil, Quebec.

According to the company, following completion of the ground test, the hybrid-electric propulsion system will be installed on the de Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 experimental aircraft. The first flight is expected in 2027.