Maxwell Aircraft 发布 M1 混合-两栖货运飞机概念设计

US-based Maxwell Aircraft has unveiled the M1 Hybrid, a patent-pending amphibious aircraft design that combines electric propulsion for take-off and climb with fuel-powered engines for cruise.

The aircraft is being developed in a cargo configuration designated M1-HC, with Maxwell targeting a payload of 2,000lb (907kg) over a range of 1,000 nautical miles. The company announced the design on 27 October, but did not provide a timeline for prototype testing or entry into service.

The M1’s proposed hybrid-drive architecture is designed to provide up to 1,500 horsepower during take-off and initial climb, before reducing power demand during cruise to approximately 300hp combined across two engines.

According to Maxwell, electric assistance would be concentrated in flight phases requiring higher power, potentially reducing the battery capacity and weight needed compared with an aircraft relying on electric propulsion throughout the flight. During cruise, the M1 would use compound-turbocharged, direct-injection compression-ignition engines running on Jet A fuel.

The system is mechanically coupled, with the electric motors and fuel-powered engines working within a common propulsion arrangement. The company has not yet published detailed performance data demonstrating the proposed power levels, range or payload.

The M1-HC is designed for operations from both water and land, allowing access to waterways, unimproved runways and locations without conventional airport infrastructure. Its five-foot-wide cargo door is intended to accommodate palletised freight.

The aircraft’s composite airframe uses carbon fibre and Kevlar and is based on the Gweduck amphibious aircraft design. Maxwell says the construction is intended to reduce weight and address corrosion concerns associated with metal airframes in marine environments.

Potential applications identified by the company include island logistics, remote-community supply, disaster response, government transport and defence operations.

Maxwell said the aircraft would be available under experimental aircraft regulations, including certain commercial operations for government purposes. This does not establish approval for unrestricted commercial cargo or passenger services, which would depend on the applicable regulatory framework and authorisations.

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