DLR tests new cockpit displays for emergencies in hybrid-electric aircraft
- Researchers worked with pilots in the DLR cockpit simulator iSIM to investigate the handling of system errors in hybrid-electric propulsion systems
- New cockpit displays support fast and safe error handling
- The findings are intended to improve the safety of hybrid-electric aircraft
How can new hybrid-electric aircraft for short- and medium-haul flights be safely operated in the event of system malfunctions? This and similar questions are being addressed by the European ALBATROS project. From 21 to 27 February, the Institute of Flight Guidance at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducted flight tests with pilots in the institute's own cockpit simulator iSIM.
In the experiments, the researchers at the institute focussed on cockpit displays specially developed for hybrid-electric flying and their use by pilots. A digital cockpit model of a Dornier DO-228 equipped with four batteries, a fuel cell and two electric motors was integrated into the iSIM cockpit simulator. The cockpit of the simulator was supplemented with displays that are customised to a hybrid-electric energy and propulsion system.
The participants learnt how to use these new system displays and were then confronted with different system errors in three different scenarios:
- Overheating of one battery
- Failure of two of the four batteries
- Hydrogen leakage in the fuel cell system
In each situation, the participating pilots had to assess the system status and take appropriate measures to deal with the respective malfunction.
The results of the tests show how pilots can counteract possible system errors in hybrid-electric energy and drive systems if they are provided with customised support systems.
One important aspect is the targeted transfer of information about the aircraft status to the airport in order to prepare the emergency services on the ground for possible emergencies. This information is used in the project for further demonstrations on how to deal with a damaged aircraft after landing. This will make a significant contribution to the safe use of hybrid-electric aircraft.
More about the project: https://www.albatros-horizon.eu/