EASA certifies Safran’s electric aviation motor
The certification that has now taken place is the result of four years of collaboration with EASA, as Safran reports. During this time, the specific airworthiness rules for the electric drive were defined and the correct methods were developed to properly assess and certify the motor. During the campaign, 1,500 hours of certification tests and more than 100 flight hours were conducted.
The design of the ENGINeUS 100, which can be integrated into all drive architectures, includes power and control electronics integrated directly into the motor. It delivers a maximum power of 125 kW with a power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW/kg. As all key components are integrated into a single unit, the ENGINeUS 100 is said to be suitable for purely electric propulsion in small aircraft for two to four passengers or for hybrid aircraft with up to 19 passengers. With a future generation of the engine, Safran also wants to enable the hybridisation of commercial aircraft with up to 150 passengers – but this is not part of the current certification.
Safran is preparing for the mass production of the ENGINeUS range and will set up four semi-automatic production lines in Niort (France) and Pitstone (UK) in 2026, which will enable the production of more than 1,000 electric motors per year and have the capacity to increase production. Safran’s customers include Bye Aerospace and VoltAero.
“We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation. By obtaining certification for the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first,” says Safran CEO Bruno Bellanger. “For Safran Electrical & Power and its institutional partners, this event represents an immense source of pride.”
“This was a fascinating project for EASA, and the first test of our Special Condition designed for the certification of hybrid and all-electric propulsion,” says Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director. “EASA is fully committed to support the development and certification of propulsion technologies aimed at decarbonizing aviation. We congratulate Safran for this key achievement, which is paving the way for electrification of aviation, for small airplanes and beyond.”
0 Comments