“Safran Gains EASA Certification For ENGINeUS 100 Motor”
France-based Safran, an international technology group, specialising in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defence and space markets, has been awarded by the European Union Aviation Safety (EASA), a certification for its ENGINeUS 100 Motor, the first electric propulsion system certified to power the new air mobility, reports a press release.
The release explains, “The motor obtained certification after a campaign involving 1,500 hours of motor certification tests and more than 100 flight hours on an aircraft in real-world conditions. It is the result of four years of collaboration with EASA to define the specific airworthiness rules for electric propulsion and design the right methods to properly assess and certify it.”
The ENGINeUS 100 electric motor represents a myriad of innovations, where its design includes power and control electronics directly integrated into the motor that can be easily integrated into all propulsion architectures, due to its compactness, lightness and air cooling system. The motor delivers maximum power of 125 kW, with an unrivalled weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg.
Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power, commented, “We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation. By obtaining certification we have achieved a world first.”
The company is preparing to mass-produce the ENGINeUS range with the creation of four semi-automated production lines next year in Niort, France and Pitstone, UK, enabling production of more than 1,000 electric motors per year, with a capacity to increase production.
Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director, remarked, “This was a fascinating project for us and the first test of our Special Condition designed for the certification of hybrid and all-electric propulsion.”
She continued, “EASA is fully committed to support the development and certification of propulsion technologies aimed at decarbonising aviation. We congratulate Safran for this key achievement, which is paving the way for electrification of aviation, for small airplanes and beyond.”
Rachel Daeschler
The release continues, “The ENGINeUS electric motor is designed to meet the varying requirements of the new mobility market thanks to its inherent ability to integrate into multiple architectures: from 100 percent electric propulsion for small two to four passengers aircraft, to distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-passenger small regional transport aircraft, right up to the electric hybridisation of future generations of commercial aircraft engines, capable of carrying 150 passengers.”
Many aviation companies involved in the new and growing air mobility market have already opted for Safran’s ENGINeUS motor range or GENeUS motor-generators.
These include AURA AERO, Bye Aerospace, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Electra, TCab Tech and VoltAero.
Background
Safran has a global presence with 92,000 employees and sales of EUR23.2 billion in 2023. The company holds alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
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(Top image: ENGINeUS 100 Motor)
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