'STARC-ABL': NASA's Turboelectric Concept Aircraft
NASA’s concept aircraft STARC-ABL utilizes advanced propulsion technologies to decrease fuel usage, emissions, and noise. STARC-ABL and other future turboelectric and hybrid-concept electrical components and systems are being tested at the Electric Aircraft Testbed at NASA Glenn Research Center . The STARC-ABL concept aims to bridge the gap between current jet fuel-powered aircraft and future all-electric vehicles. It is a 150-passenger class commercial transport with a traditional “tube-and-wing” shape. The plane relies on turboelectric propulsion, using electric motors powered by onboard gas turbines.