The aircraft was designed as a testbed for high-power electronics, inverters, motors and related systems and was developed by Ampaire, a member of the Launch Alaska portfolio and an alumnus of Launch Alaska's Technology Deployment Track.
“This first flight reflects the groundbreaking progress we've made in electrified aviation, and we're excited to continue deploying solutions that improve reliability, accessibility and cost savings for communities around the world,” said Kevin Noertker, co-founder and CEO of Ampaire.
The flight also marks a milestone as the first hybrid-electric aircraft to receive airworthiness approval from both U.S. and Canadian authorities, and the first international hybrid-electric flight thanks to the first installations of mobile electric aircraft chargers in Alaska and Canada.
To make the historic flight to Alaska, Ampere aircraft overcame wildfire smoke, rain and rugged terrain, demonstrating expanded capabilities beyond previous deployments in California, Hawaii and the United Kingdom.
“Alaska is well known for innovation and discovery, so it's fitting that this groundbreaking hybrid-electric flight made history in Alaska,” said Erin Whitney, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Arctic Energy Office. “We welcome the adoption of clean energy and collaboration as we continue to lead the way in the Arctic.”
