Ampaire builds and integrates the AmpDrive hybrid‑electric powertrain, a modular retrofit kit that replaces part of a turboprop or small jet’s turbine engine with electric drive and high‑energy‑density batteries. The system can cut fuel consumption by up to 90%, halve maintenance costs, and reduce noise by about 60%, enabling regional and island‑hopping airlines to offer more frequent, affordable and low‑emission services.
Funding
$11.7M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
IAFounders
Product
Problem
Conventional regional aircraft rely on fossil-fuel propulsion, resulting in high fuel costs, significant emissions, noise pollution, and limited service frequency for short‑haul and remote routes. These factors increase operating expenses and restrict connectivity for underserved communities.
Solution
Ampaire develops and integrates hybrid‑electric propulsion systems—branded as AmpDrive—into existing aircraft to dramatically lower fuel consumption, maintenance requirements, and noise. By replacing a portion of the turbine engine’s power with electric drive, the system can cut fuel use by up to 90%, halve maintenance costs, and reduce acoustic output by around 60%. Ampaire validates the technology through real‑world flight demonstrations with partners such as Mokulele Airlines, NASA, and ARPA‑E, accumulating over 30,000 flight miles with a 100 % safety record. The modular design allows retrofitting across multiple aircraft types, enabling airlines to offer more frequent, affordable, and environmentally friendly services on short‑haul and island‑hopping routes.
Target Audience
Primary customers are regional and commuter airlines, island‑hopping carriers, and short‑haul cargo operators seeking to lower operating costs and meet sustainability goals while expanding service frequency.
Features
- AmpDrive hybrid‑electric powertrain that combines a conventional turbine with an electric motor and high‑energy‑density battery pack
- Modular retrofit kit compatible with a range of turboprop and small jet airframes
- Proven flight performance: >30,000 miles flown across test fleet with zero safety incidents
- Integrated control software that manages power distribution, battery state‑of‑charge, and engine synchronization
- Demonstrated fuel‑burn reduction of up to 90 % and maintenance cost cut of 50 % in operational trials
- Noise attenuation technology achieving approximately 60 % reduction in cabin and external sound levels
- Partnerships with NASA, ARPA‑E, and regional carriers to accelerate certification and real‑world deployment