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

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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 for its RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency and performance for future aircraft.
The flight-standard propulsion system, integrating a thermal engine with a 1-megawatt electric motor and battery, is slated for installation on a Dash 8-100 experimental aircraft for its first flight in 2027.
The program targets up to 30 percent improved fuel efficiency for typical regional turboprop missions by optimizing power delivery, especially during demanding flight phases like takeoff and climb.

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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.