Performance analysis and operating potential of a hybrid-electric regional aircraft with box-wing lifting architecture

The payload-range diagram of a regional hybrid-electric box-wing aircraft is discussed in this paper. The operational characteristics of a hybrid-electric aircraft differ from those of an aircraft with traditional thermal propulsion. The shape of the payload-range diagram of the hybrid-electric aircraft is variable as far as multiple combinations in the amount of masses of batteries, fuel and payload to be transported on board are possible, and depending on the possibility of using different power split strategies during the mission. Different scenarios of hybrid-electric aircraft utilisation are outlined. In particular, the trade-off in the utilisation of the two energy sources to reduce fuel consumption or to extend the maximum flight distance is described in detail.