GE, BETA Complete Hybrid-Electric-Assisted Takeoff
The modified Saab 340B used electric motors and batteries to supplement its turbine engine during a test in Plattsburgh, New York.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies completed a hybrid-electric-assisted takeoff using a modified Saab 340B in Plattsburgh, New York. The test is described as the first hybrid-electric-assisted takeoff for an aircraft designed to operate at commercial airline altitudes.
Why it matters
The demonstration shows hybrid-electric propulsion operating on a commercial-class aircraft, a step toward reducing fuel use and noise in regional aviation. Initial observations indicate the aircraft was quieter during takeoff than under conventional turbine power.
The aircraft carried a conventional CT7 turbine engine on its left side and a modified hybrid-electric engine on its right. The RISE program targets fuel consumption improvements of more than 20% versus engines currently in service, though GE has not released comparative noise figures.
The players
GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is the aviation division of General Electric and the maker of the CT7 turbine engine used in the test aircraft.
BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies is an electric aircraft developer that partnered with GE Aerospace on hybrid-electric propulsion systems for civil and defense use.
NASA
NASA is the U.S. federal space and aeronautics agency that sponsored the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project in which the aircraft flew in May.
The details
The modified Saab 340B used electric motors and batteries that supplied additional power to the turbine during takeoff. The aircraft earlier completed a hybrid-electric flight above 30,000 feet in May under NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project.
Timeline
September 2025: GE and BETA announced their hybrid-electric propulsion partnership.
May: The modified aircraft completed a hybrid-electric flight above 30,000 feet.
June: Ground testing of a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system took place.
July: The aircraft crossed the Atlantic to attend the Farnborough International Airshow.
Roadmap
The takeoff test extends NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration, which earlier flew a hybrid-electric aircraft above 30,000 feet. It marks a move from high-altitude cruise validation toward the takeoff phase that has historically been most demanding on turbine engines.
Hybrid-electric propulsion aims to lower fuel consumption and noise for regional aircraft, which could eventually affect fares and flight experience for passengers. GE Aerospace has not announced when the system might enter commercial service.
The takeaway
Hybrid-electric systems are being tested on aircraft that fly at commercial altitudes, not only on small experimental planes. Progress from ground tests to flight demonstrations suggests the technology is moving toward practical use, though no timeline for certification has been set.
Further reading
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