Zuri Hybrid VTOL Propulsion System

Hybrid Power System Efficiency.

Since founding Zuri in 2017, we have always believed a hybrid powertrain is the best way to power VTOL aircraft. It allows us to provide a longer range while maintaining extremely low emissions.

5x More Energy Than Batteries.

Even the best batteries today have 5 times less energy than we can derive from a hybrid powertrain. And no, this isn’t going to change anytime soon. With the current progress in battery specific energy, it will still be 50-60 years before batteries catch up. The figure of 1360 Wh/kg shown above corresponds to a 225 kg turbogenerator producing 600 kWh in 2 hours from 216 kg of fuel. That’s achievable TODAY.

Usable Range & Reserves.

While you may see some eVTOLs claiming a 240 km range, it's important to note that this is an absolute range. All aircraft (including current airplanes and helicopters) are required to maintain a mandatory reserve — either 30 minutes or 45 minutes (depending primarily on weather conditions). When the reserve is considered, an eVTOL has only a 100 km range with a 30-minute reserve. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, Zuri has a range of almost 900 km, making it capable of 700 km long flights even with a 30-minute reserve.

Lower Emissions with Smarter Power.

How can a hybrid VTOL have lower emissions than an all-electric VTOL? There are three reasons.

1. The main one is SAF — Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Using SAF in a turbogenerator produces only 136 g CO₂ eq/kWh. Recharging an eVTOL from the electricity grid produces 275 g CO₂ eq/kWh, twice as much!
2. Zuri has at least three times smaller batteries, so the manufacturing and recycling costs and emissions are much smaller.
3. Since our flights are typically 10x longer and generally one flight means one battery life cycle, we can travel 10x longer distance before the battery needs replacing.

Optimized Flight Range for Air Mobility.

Zuri integrates urban and regional air mobility by designing hybrid aircraft with optimized range capabilities, balancing VTOL for urban settings with extended flight capabilities for regional travel. Our approach includes efficient propulsion systems, aerodynamic design, and lightweight materials to maximize fuel efficiency and range. This allows for both short urban flights and longer regional trips, enhancing overall air mobility and connectivity.

Lightweight & Efficient Battery.

Hybrid power systems in aerospace applications outperform fully electric systems by integrating a generator set with electric propulsion. This reduces the need for a large battery, and the generator set can even recharge the battery during flight. Advanced thermal management in hybrids keeps batteries within ideal temperatures, enhancing longevity and reducing maintenance needs.