Transense and GE Aerospace's Unison demonstrate torque-sensing technology behind first hybrid-electric transatlantic crossing and flight above 30,000 ft

Transense Technologies, a UK-based sensor systems developer, and Unison, a GE Aerospace company, have highlighted a collaboration that produced torque-sensing technology used in two hybrid-electric aviation milestones: the first hybrid-electric flight above 30,000 feet and the first hybrid-electric transatlantic crossing. The achievement was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The application combined Transense's SAWsense torque-sensing technology with Unison's aerospace engineering, qualification, and system-integration expertise. Transense supplied the foundational sensing capability, while Unison adapted and industrialised the technology for the airborne demonstration.

Ryan Maughan, managing director of Transense Technologies, called it an important milestone for advanced propulsion development and for the role of torque sensing in future aircraft propulsion technologies, adding that the company was proud to see its foundational SAWsense technology incorporated into Unison's industrialised solution. Josh Friedman, Engineering Leader at Unison, said the flight demonstration reflects the strength of combining differentiated sensing technology with aerospace application engineering, qualification and integration, and valued the long-standing relationship between the two companies in advancing next-generation propulsion technology development.

The demonstration is intended to illustrate how specialised sensing technology can progress from laboratory development into flight-relevant applications, supporting industry efforts toward hybrid-electric propulsion systems with improved efficiency, lower emissions, and extended range.