Cessna and Bye Energy developing electric-powered PoC Skyhawk

26 Jul 2010

Cessna today announced that it is collaborating with Bye Energy, an integrator of clean, alternative energy technologies for business and general aviation aircraft, to design and develop an electric propulsion system for a Cessna 172 proof-of-concept (POC) aircraft. First flight of the electric-powered Cessna 172 Skyhawk POC is expected to take place by yearend. Cessna’s Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton said, “As we look at the landscape of alternative fuels for general aviation aircraft, the electric power plant offers significant benefits, but there are significant challenges to get there. We believe Bye Energy has gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them.” George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy, thanked Cessna for its collaboration. “We are honored to work with Cessna in accomplishing the proof of concept endeavor. Cessna’s support of the electric and electric-hybrid program is vital to moving general aviation into the future,” he said. Formed in 2008, Bye Energy is developing an electric and electric-hybrid propulsion system for light general aviation aircraft, announcing “The Green Flight Project” earlier this year. The company is headquartered on Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado, and also has offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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