P-Volt Archives - Tecnam Aircraft

Tecnam to postpone the P-VOLT Programme

Stefano Mavilio — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:30:16 +0000

After three years of intensive studies covering the entire lifecycle of an all-electric aircraft, Tecnam has concluded that the time for P-Volt is not yet ripe, although research activities will continue to explore new emerging technologies.

Since the beginning of the P-Volt development, Tecnam’s focus has been to provide operators with the ability to fly an all-electric passenger aircraft profitably, efficiently and sustainably in terms of operating costs, emissions, performance, turnaround and time to market. At present, Tecnam believes that these can only be achieved by extremely aggressive speculation on uncertain technology developments.

Tecnam has a deep understanding of electric flight, gained from previous projects such as the H3ps hybrid aircraft based on the P2010 four-seater, and today we have looked closely at the state of the art in energy storage and realistic 5 year developments, excluding technological revolutions that no one can speculate on. One of the conclusions was that an aircraft with a battery pack at the end of its life would not be the best product for the market, but certainly the worst in terms of Net Present Value (NPV).

The proliferation of aircraft with “new” batteries would lead to unrealistic mission profiles that would quickly degrade after a few weeks of operation, making the all-electric passenger aircraft a mere “Green Transition flagship” rather than a real player in the decarbonisation of aviation. Taking into account the most optimistic projections of slow charge cycles and the possible limitation of the maximum charge level per cycle, the real storage capacity would fall below 170Wh/kg, and only a few hundred flights would drive operators to replace the entire storage unit, with a dramatic increase in direct operating costs due to the reserves for battery replacement prices.

With dozens of EASA and FAA certifications, Tecnam is the most active General Aviation manufacturer in the world with the highest number of new type certifications in recent years. The company’s mission has always been to design and manufacture products with the highest value for money in terms of efficiency, CO2 emissions, operating costs and profitability. Today, Tecnam believes that these key factors cannot define a new aircraft development as “viable” with a target entry into service by 2026-2028.

Tecnam is constantly and closely monitoring the evolution of technologies capable of achieving net-zero emissions targets, working with the leading manufacturers of propulsion systems and providing them with direction and guidance, ready to bring the P-Volt back into the type certification arena as soon as technology evolution allows.

Fabio Russo, Tecnam’s Chief R&D Officer said: “We don’t feel attracted by the “2026“ stream or any Electric Rush. It has always been our culture to commit to achievable goals with customers and operators, and we intend to keep that promise. We hope that new technologies will make businesses viable sooner rather than later, and we have real confidence in our partners’ ability to bring highly valuable products to the zero-emission powertrain and energy storage arena.”

TECNAM AIRCRAFT FLEET REDUCES FLIGHT SCHOOLS’ CO2 EMISSIONS BY UP TO 60%

Stefano Mavilio — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:11:55 +0000

ON EARTH DAY TECNAM REVEALS HOW TO SOAR GREENER
Recent study shows that flight schools operating with TECNAM single and twin-engine fleet can reduce emissions by up to 60%: 10 tons of CO₂ for each student by the time they receive their Commercial Pilot License.

CAPUA, April 22 – Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Italian aircraft manufacturer TECNAM has revealed that flight schools operating TECNAM’s single- and twin-engine fleets can save as much as 10 tones of CO₂ emissions for every single student graduated with Commercial Pilot License – a 60% reduction compared to fleets using 100LL fuel on a journey of 155 flight hours, 30h of which on twin.

According to the company’s Director of R&D Fabio Russo, operating a TECNAM fleet allows flight training organizations to “significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions today, not tomorrow.”
“While there are a few exciting green projects in development at TECNAM, the beauty of operating our fleet is that you don’t need to wait to make the difference,” said Russo.

In addition to the research on their fleet’s environmental impact, the company is actively investing in contributing to the green future of aviation through sustainable R&D projects and strategic partnerships.

Among research projects that are inspiring future aircraft propulsion and configurations, TECNAM highlighted those developed with Rolls-Royce, Rotax and NASA. The projects include the parallel hybrid P2010 H3PS, the full-electric P-VOLT, and NASA X-57 built around the Tecnam P2006T – the model that independent research firms named the most efficient twin aircraft in the world.

As outlined in their “Green Manifest”, TECNAM’s approach to sustainable innovation is based on three core principles; their solutions need to be “realistic, durable, and practical.”

TECNAM’s Managing Director Giovanni Pascale Langer emphasized that the brand is committed to developing not only cleaner, but also scalable and economically viable solutions.
“Sustainability is a journey, not a destination,” concluded Pascale Langer. “This means that we are continuously conceptualizing and developing greener solutions – ones that offer superior performance and lower carbon emissions and thus, by consequence, the most interesting profitability”.

More information on TECNAM’s commitment to sustainability is available on https://tecnam.com/soar-greener/

Tecnam & Rolls-Royce Showcase the Future of General Aviation at the Oshkosh Airshow

Stefano Mavilio — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:09:57 +0000

Tecnam and Rolls-Royce held a highly anticipated press conference at Oshkosh’s EAA Media Center to showcase P-Volt, their joint contribution to Green Aviation. Cape Air and Widerøe select the P-Volt aircraft for its green transition path.

OSHKOSH, Wis., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In this modern world, full of challenges and changes, Tecnam and Rolls-Royce remain more focused on innovative solutions for the future of Green Aviation.

The press briefing was an opportunity to share the Partner Project updates with the public.

Tecnam and Rolls-Royce jointly presented the P-Volt update with an engaging dedicated video.
P-VOLT is an all-electric, twin-motor, short-range passenger aircraft whose design is based on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller.

The P-Volt will leverage Tecnam’s advanced achievements in the 11-seat category aircraft segment. Following decades of study, the P2012 Traveller has established a new global reference point within the twin engine piston marketplace. The P-Volt will be the first cargo, medical evacuation, special mission and commercial passenger aircraft to offer electric propulsion by a manufacturer, raising Tecnam’s ‘DREAM concept – which stands for “Durability, Reliability, Employability, Affordability & Manageability” – to a new, unrivalled level of efficiency.

During the Press Conference, Giovanni Pascale Langer, TECNAM Managing Director, announced that Cape Air is committed to the P-VOLT program. Cape Air who is a Part 135 operator will expand its fleet of Tecnam P2012 Travellers with P-Volt aircraft to provide Green Routes within the US. Cape Air and Wideroe, the major Norwegian Regional Airline and first European P-Volt launch customer, will share in this symbolic role towards a worldwide Green Aviation transition.

Dan Wolf, Cape Air Founder and CEO, said: “As the launch customer for the TECNAM P2012 Traveller, we are excited by the prospects of an all-electric version. In 2009, Cape Air was the first airline to adopt a strategic commitment to the environment. We look forward to taking the next step in mitigating our carbon footprint.”

The Tecnam P-Volt aircraft, with its electric propulsion system completely designed by Rolls-Royce, are all engineered to deliver a sustainable solution for the commuter market. Innovative battery management and the dedicated swappable battery concept will ensure full power availability for quick turnaround times, while preserving battery life and significantly reducing the direct operational cost.

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director: “Tecnam is proud to be part of the future of General and Commercial Aviation with partners like Rolls-Royce. Our plan is to provide solutions for a sustainable future that is possible, and that is just a step ahead. Ensuring a green future for aviation is not an ambition anymore; it has become our main goal. Tecnam is committed to the P-Volt project. Starting from the baseline of our P2012 Traveller will also constitute an easier and smoother transition for all current and future P2012 Traveller operators. All-electric aircraft development is one thing; running it efficiently into commercial operation is something really different and this is what Tecnam wants to ensure.”

Rob Watson, Director, Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “We are delighted Cape Air has joined Widerøe in selecting the P-Volt aircraft to support its sustainable aviation ambitions. Rolls-Royce and Tecnam are focused on delivering this zero-emission aircraft for the commuter market. We are the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets and are committed to all our new products being compatible with net zero operations.”

“Although the color of our company is blue, the color of the future is green,” said Walter Da Costa, TECNAM Chief Sales Officer. “This is why we decided to move towards the direction of pioneering sustainable flights. A zero emission, low noise multi-mission flight that will change the way we fly and we live.”

Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widerøe, added: “We are highly excited to be offered the role as launch operator, but also humble about the challenges of putting the world’s first zero emissions aircraft into service. Our mission is to have all new capabilities, processes and procedures required for a zero emissions operator, designed and approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc:

1. Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030. We joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, and have committed to ensuring our new products will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with net zero by 2050.

2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.

3. Annual underlying revenue was £11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested £1.25 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.

4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

About Wideroe:

Widerøe is the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, with a staff of 2,500 and a turnover of NOK 3.5 billion. The company carries around 2.8 million passengers annually and flies to over 40 domestic and international destinations.

In 2018 Widerøe launched of the brand new Embraer 190-E2 aircraft. Widerøe is the first airline in the world to put the Embraer E190-E2 into commercial operations.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”

Tecnam’s roots go all the way back to the Italian brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale who began to develop and produce innovative aircraft soon after the end of WWII. Since those early beginnings, the family has continued to create original models, first gaining worldwide recognition under the name Partenavia, which translates as ” Naples Aviation”.

Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam was established in March 1986 and now operates in two production facilities. The Casoria facility is located adjacent to Naples’ Capodichino International Airport, while the main factory is next to the “Oreste Salomone” Airport in Capua. Recently new facilities were established in Sebring, Florida, USA and in Australia to serve and support the needs of Tecnam’s local owners and operators.

ROLLS-ROYCE E TECNAM INSIEME PER CONSEGNARE UN AEREO PASSEGGERI COMPLETAMENTE ELETTRICO ALLA COMPAGNIA AEREA WIDERØE

Stefano Mavilio — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 16:48:27 +0000

Rolls-Royce e il costruttore aeronautico Tecnam stanno lavorando con Widerøe, la più grande compagnia aerea regionale europea, per consegnare un aereo passeggeri completamente elettrico per il mercato dei pendolari, pronto per entrare in servizio già nel 2026. Il progetto è il risultato del programma di ricerca tra Rolls-Royce e Widerøe sull’aviazione sostenibile e sulla partnership esistente tra Rolls-Royce e Tecnam sulla motorizzazione completamente elettrica dell’aereo, chiamato P-Volt.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive, Widerøe ha detto: “La Norvegia ha una vasta rete di aeroporti a decollo e atterraggio corto, ideale per le tecnologie a zero emissioni. Questo aereo dimostra quanto velocemente questa nuova tecnologia può essere sviluppata. Siamo sulla buona strada per volare a zero emissioni già intorno al 2025”.

Rob Watson, Direttore – Rolls-Royce Electrical, ha detto: “L’elettrificazione ci aiuterà a realizzare la nostra ambizione di consentire ai mercati in cui operiamo di raggiungere il zero emissioni di carbonio entro il 2050. Questa collaborazione rafforza le nostre relazioni esistenti con Tecnam e Widerøe per fornire un aereo passeggeri completamente elettrico per il mercato dei pendolari. Ciò conferma anche le ambizioni di Rolls-Royce ad essere il fornitore leader di sistemi di propulsione e alimentazione completamente elettrici e ibridi elettrici nei diversi mercati dell’aviazione”.

A causa della sua topografia, la Norvegia fa ampio uso dell’aviazione per la connettività regionale e ha l’ambizione che tutti i voli nazionali siano a zero emissioni entro il 2040. Rolls-Royce porterà la sua esperienza nella propulsione e nei sistemi di potenza, Tecnam porterà la sua esperienza e capacità di progettazione, produzione e certificazione degli aerei. Widerøe porterà invece tutte le competenze e i requisiti di un operatore aereo, consentendo l’entrata in servizio nel 2026.

Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer di Widerøe, ha aggiunto: “Siamo molto entusiasti che ci sia stato offerto il ruolo di operatore di lancio, ma anche entusiasti dalla sfide di mettere in servizio il primo aereo a zero emissioni del mondo. Il nostro lavoro sarà quello di avere tutte le nuove capacità, i processi e le procedure necessarie per un operatore a zero emissioni, progettate e approvate in parallelo con lo sviluppo e la certificazione dell’aereo”.

Fabio Russo, Chief Project R&D and Product Development, Tecnam, ha detto: “È incredibile vedere l’interesse intorno al P-Volt, non solo da parte delle compagnie aeree regionali, ma anche da aziende basate sulla mobilità intelligente. Quest’ultimo anno ha dimostrato l’importanza di promuovere collegamenti capillari tra le piccole comunità, usando aeroporti minori e riducendo la congestione degli hub principali. Il P-Volt, come il P2012 Traveller oggi, si adatta perfettamente alla portata di questo programma. Siamo onorati e lieti di vedere il livello di entusiasmo che Widerøe e il nostro partner Rolls-Royce stanno dedicando a questo progetto”.

La collaborazione offre l’opportunità di sviluppare una soluzione totalmente innovativa per il mercato degli aerei regionali e di cortissimo raggio. Prima della pandemia, Widerøe offriva circa 400 voli al giorno utilizzando una rete di 44 aeroporti, dove il 74% dei voli ha distanze inferiori a 275 km. La durata dei voli più brevi è tra i sette e i quindici minuti. Lo sviluppo di aerei completamente elettrici permetterà alle persone di essere connesse in modo sostenibile e realizzerà l’ambizione di Wideroe di fare il suo primo volo completamente elettrico entro il 2026. L’aereo completamente elettrico P-Volt, che si basa sull’aereo a 11 posti Tecnam P2012 Traveller, è ideale per i decolli e gli atterraggi brevi e quindi per le rotte nel nord e sulla costa occidentale della Norvegia.

Rolls-Royce e Widerøe hanno annunciato un programma di ricerca congiunto nel 2019. L’obiettivo del programma era quello di valutare e sviluppare concetti di aerei elettrici che avrebbero soddisfatto l’ambizione norvegese di avere il primo aereo elettrificato nei voli di linea ordinari nazionali entro il 2030 e la riduzione dell’80% delle emissioni nei voli nazionali entro il 2040.

Rolls-Royce ha anche una partnership strategica già in essere con Tecnam per lo sviluppo dell’aereo quattro posti Tecnam P2010 H3PS con il primo sistema di propulsione ibrido-elettrico parallelo per l’aviazione generale, realizzato insieme a Rotax.

Rolls-Royce and Tecnam join forces with Widerøe to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft ready for service in 2026

Stefano Mavilio — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 11:30:58 +0000

Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam are joining forces with Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market, ready for revenue service in 2026. The project expands on the successful research programme between Rolls-Royce and Widerøe on sustainable aviation and the existing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Tecnam on powering the all-electric P-Volt aircraft.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive, Widerøe said: “Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero emissions technologies. This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025.”

Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050. This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market. It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets.”

The programme will look to cover all elements of developing and delivering an all-electric passenger aircraft that could be used in the Norwegian market from 2026. Due to its topography, Norway makes extensive use of aviation for regional connectivity and has an ambition for all domestic flights to be zero emissions by 2040. Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in propulsion and power systems, Tecnam will provide aircraft design, manufacturing and certification capabilities. Widerøe’s mission will be to ensure that all competence and requirements of an airline operator are in place for entry into service in 2026.

Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widerøe, added: “We are highly excited to be offered the role as launch operator, but also humble about the challenges of putting the world’s first zero emissions aircraft into service. Our mission is to have all new capabilities, processes and procedures required for a zero emissions operator, designed and approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified.”

Fabio Russo, Chief Project R&D and Product Development, Tecnam, said: “It is incredible to see the interest around the P-Volt, not only coming from regional airlines, but also from smart mobility-based companies. This last year has demonstrated the importance of promoting capillary connections between small communities, while reducing the congestion of the main hubs. The P-Volt, like the P2012 Traveller today, will perfectly fit the scope of this programme. We are honoured and pleased to see the level of enthusiasm Widerøe and our partner Rolls-Royce are dedicating to this project.”

The collaboration offers an opportunity to develop an exciting solution to the commuter aircraft market. Before the pandemic, Widerøe offered around 400 flights per day using a network of 44 airports, where 74% of the flights have distances less than 275 km. The shortest flight durations are between seven and fifteen minutes. Developing all-electric aircraft will enable people to be connected in a sustainable way and will fulfill Wideroe’s ambition to make its first all-electric flight by 2026. The all-electric P-Volt aircraft, which is based on the 11-seat Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft is ideal for the short take-off and landing as well as for routes in the North and the West Coast of Norway.

Rolls-Royce and Widerøe announced a joint research programme in 2019. The aim of the programme was to evaluate and develop electrical aircraft concepts that would fulfil the Norwegian ambition of having the first electrified aircraft in ordinary domestic scheduled flights by 2030 and 80% emission reduction in domestic flights by 2040.

Rolls-Royce also has an existing strategic partnership with Tecnam to develop the modified Tecnam P2010 aircraft with the H3PS¹ propulsion system, the first parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system for General Aviation started together with Rotax in May 2018.

¹ The H3PS project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769392.

See the P2012 page

Rolls Royce Press Release
https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2021/11-03-2021-rr-and-tecnam-join-forces.aspx

TECNAM P-VOLT: LIFTING THE WORLD TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Stefano Mavilio — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 18:33:20 +0000

CAPUA, Italy. In this modern world, full of challenges and changes, TECNAM remains more focused than ever on exploring innovative solutions for the future of greener aviation. Never has it been more important to pursue knowledge and develop practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions, both in design and in operation.

With these key factors in mind, TECNAM is pleased to announce a partnership with Rolls-Royce and major worldwide aviation players, including North American and European airlines for the development of the P-Volt: an all-electric, twin electric motor, Short and Medium Range passenger aircraft, designed for maximum versatility and safety, powered by renewable energy.

The P-Volt will benefit of TECNAM’s achievements in the 11 seats category aircrafts, where, after decades, the P2012 Traveller has established a new global reference, the P-Volt will be the first commercial
9 passengers, cargo, medical evacuation and special mission aircraft to be electrified directly by the manufacturer, raising TECNAM’s ‘DREAM concept’ (Durability, Reliability, Employability, Affordability & Manageability) to a new, unrivalled level of efficiency.

The TECNAM P-Volt propulsion system and avionics, engineered to lift the world to sustainable energy along with the Clean Aviation roadmap, will be specifically targeted at commercial operations. All-electric motors, avionics, heating, air conditioning and state-of-the art de-ice/anti-ice systems, will provide fully sustainable and pollution-free transportation.

Dedicated battery technology will ensure full power availability for quick turnaround times between landing and take-off. The benefits of the propulsion system also extend to reducing the aircraft’s operating costs and noise emissions for a more accessible and comfortable transportation system that will elevate the air travel operations worldwide to new heights.

TECNAM and Rolls-Royce are already in partnership with the H3PS project: a parallel hybrid electric version of the P2010 four-seater, pairing the electric motor from Rolls-Royce with a combustion engine from Rotax.

Paolo Pascale Langer, TECNAM CEO: “TECNAM is proud to announce the P-Volt design and development. We all need to commit our efforts towards systems that contribute to decarbonization. By combining efficiency and renewable energy into the futuristic propulsion system, we will not only reduce costs, but also grant a greener future to our passion for flying.”

Rob Watson, Director, Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “Rolls-Royce is committed to delivering the electrification of flight and to support the de-carbonisation of aviation. This new partnership with TECNAM will strengthen our existing relationship, further developing both companies’ capabilities. We are delighted to work with all the partners on a programme that has the potential to develop the technology to make a significant leap in the commuter market.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
Annual underlying revenue was £15.45 billion in 2019, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
In 2019, Rolls-Royce invested £1.46 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.