Helix and the Future Hybrid Supersonic Engine

Helix unveils a new generation of hybrid engines to make supersonic flights faster, more efficient, and accessible.

Helix Motors, a British specialist in high-power electric motors, is partnering with the California-based start-up Astro Mechanica to create a new generation of engines for supersonic aircraft. Their ambition is to transform the supersonic travel experience, making it more efficient and, ultimately, more affordable for passengers.

At the heart of this innovation is the Duality engine, a unique hybrid-electric technology. Here, a gas turbine generates electricity, which then powers four Helix electric motors integrated into the aircraft’s thrusters. These electric motors replace the usual thermal elements driving the fans and compressors responsible for propulsion, while adjusting their operation with extreme precision based on the aircraft’s speed.

Thus, the aircraft can:

• Fly efficiently at subsonic speed like a turbofan to save fuel.
• Switch to moderate supersonic speed in turbojet mode, providing more thrust.
• Reach extreme supersonic speeds like a ramjet, exceeding Mach 3.

Each current Helix SPX242-94 motor weighs only 31 kg but delivers up to 400 kW, equivalent to the energy required for several dozen electric cars. The next generation aims for a continuous power of 900 kW, while remaining compact and reliable even at very high altitudes.

This turbine-generator and electric motor combination allows for precise power management throughout all phases of flight. Simply put, the turbine produces electricity, while the electric motors convert it into thrust exactly where the aircraft needs it the most.

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Astro Mechanica is currently testing the fourth-generation engine and plans a first flight within the next three years. The ultimate goal is to make supersonic travel as simple and economical as traditional commercial flights.

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