Subject: Re: Hybrid-Electric Aircraft?
f a separate electrical propulsion system could supplement the main engines during take-off and landing, then the main engines could be much smaller

Good point. That makes sense.
The trick would be to make sure the combined system is not heavier, or at least not sufficiently heavier that it offsets that advantage.

I'm sure they can work it out, but I'm not immediately fond of the idea of big lithium batteries on board with me : )
Kerosene isn't exactly a happy travel companion either, but it lacks that charming spontaneity of lithium battery packs.

Jim