Overview
- The team flew a hybrid Cessna 337 in Southern California using a UA Power Group silicon carbide inverter on the rear electric motor, validating a smaller, more efficient replacement for conventional silicon drives.
- Silicon carbide transistors switch up to 1,000 times faster than silicon, allowing far smaller inductors, transformers, and capacitors that cut size and weight for aircraft installations.
- The flight campaign addressed aviation-specific hurdles including vibration durability, altitude-related partial discharge affecting insulation, and increased electromagnetic interference from faster switching.
- Project funding came from ARPA‑E, and industry collaborators cited in coverage included Ampaire and Wolfspeed.
- UA leaders report being the first university to demonstrate a silicon carbide propulsion drive in a hybrid electric aircraft, as they prepare a Multi‑User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory to advance fabrication and industry ties.