AVIATION MILESTONE: Safran’s electric motor will power planes of the future

Safran has achieved a "key moment in the history of aviation" after its new electric motor was cleared for flight.

It can now be used to power aircraft of the future after receiving certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The aerotech company, which is one of Gloucestershire's biggest employers, said the ENGINeUS 100 motor can be easily integrated into many aircraft. It means it could be used in everything from 100% electric two passengers aircraft, right up to future generations of hybrid commercial aircraft, capable of carrying 150 passengers.

Staff in Gloucestershire may help build these new aircraft as it is the base of Safran Landing Systems' - the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. Around 90 of its staff will soon be moving into a New Technology Centre being built in Staverton[1]  by Gloucester firm EG Carter and Co. The engine itself was created by Safran Electrical & Power, based in Buckinghamshire and underwent 1,500 hours of tests and more than 100 hours of test flights before achieving certification. "We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation," said Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power.

"By obtaining certification for the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first. This event represents an immense source of pride." The engine certification is the result of four years of collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to define the specific airworthiness rules for electric propulsion and design the right methods to properly assess and certify it.

The engine's compact design includes power and control electronics directly integrated into the motor, which delivers maximum power of 125 kW, with an unrivalled weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg. Safran Electrical & Power is now preparing to mass-produce more than 1,000 ENGINeUS motors annually with the creation of four semi-automated production lines in 2026 in Niort, France and Pitstone, UK. Rachel Daeschler, EASA certification director, said: "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.

"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."

References

1. ^ New Technology Centre being built in Staverton (www.punchline-gloucester.com)