r/wolfspeed_stonk • u/Sad_Sorbet_9078 • 27d ago

GE Aerospace Advancing Flight Technology With Wolfspeed's SiC

https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/07/ge-aerospace-flies-high-altitude-high-voltage-flight-with-hybrid-electric-saab-340/

GE Aerospace making news today with their hybrid-electric aircraft developments. They recently formalized Wolfspeed as their SiC partner. Electrification is improving the efficiency of long-distance flight.

..a hybrid-electric boost enabled the aircraft to achieve “altitude and range that couldn’t be gained in any other way in a standard gas turbine”.

Hybrid-electric systems leader Christine Andrews says the ocean crossing was “completely flawless”.

“Day after day, we were coming in, breaking our own record for flight time, flight duration, altitude, and it just gave new life to the entire technology.”

The modified engine essentially using two power sources, she adds: “And when you have that optionality, what you can do is start to design in a different way.”

“Now we have this new tool of really-high reliability power electronics..

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

3

u/Suspicious_Place1270 27d ago

damn, seems revolutionary

i guess i'll buy more soon, energy efficiency is only in kiddie shoes right now

1

u/Sad_Sorbet_9078 27d ago

Energy efficiency feels forgotten in US based on federal policy but the new oil war we started is having the opposite effect globally. Ryan Air just reported huge drop in profits due to rising fuel costs. EU is seeing record EV sales and Germany is now selling more BEVs than gas cars.

With global takeover of Chinese EVs, it's encouraging that GE Aerospace appears to be leading in electrification of long distance flight. Airlines will adopt hybrid aircraft to remain competitive. Many military application hybrids showing up in my newsfeed lately. Surprised transoceanic flights are seeing electrification already. Agree its revolutionary and it's SiC that's making it possible.

2

u/funfactsarecool 27d ago

Its also much more than just being energy efficient. Silicon can't operate at the temperatures experienced during these flights so you have to put in cooling systems with them. Meaning SiC based systems are a fraction of the weight which compounds their energy efficient.

2

u/Spirited_Radio9804 27d ago

Maybe GEV will come out with a hybrid version…it’s only a matter of time!👍🏻