ELECTRIC MACHINE POWER ASSIST OF TURBINE ENGINE DURING IDLE OPERATION

An aircraft (100) that includes a hybrid-electric propulsion system (150) is provided. In one aspect, the hybrid-electric propulsion system (150) includes at least one propulsor (160) that includes a gas turbine engine (162) and an electric machine (164) mechanically coupled with a spool of the gas turbine engine (162). When idle operation is commanded, electrical power is provided to the electric machine (164) to cause the electric machine (164) to apply torque to the spool and fuel provided to the engine (162) can be reduced. Thus, the electric machine (164) is controlled to provide a power assist to maintain the engine (162) at the commanded idle speed whilst reducing fuel consumption.