Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero reached a new milestone in their partnership regarding the hybrid electric propulsion system of the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), the future 19-seater regional aircraft. The two companies have signed an agreement covering the development and integration of Safran turbogenerators for the ERA prototype, paving the way for the series production of its propulsion system. This agreement follows on from a memorandum of understanding in 2023 and represents a key milestone towards the aircraft’s maiden flight, certification and future entry into service.
ERA’ propulsion architecture will consist of eight electric propulsion units powered by two TG600 turbogenerators, each capable of supplying 600 kW of electricity. These turbogenerators are based on Safran Helicopter Engines’ latest-generation Arrano engine and two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power, which will also supply the ENGINeUS motors for the electric propulsion units. This architecture has been designed to combine reliability, operational performance and low consumption, whilst meeting the requirements of commercial operation and series production.
Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines commented: "We are particularly pleased to reach this important milestone in our partnership with Aura Aero and thereby contribute to advancing the decarbonisation of aviation alongside this growing new French aircraft manufacturer. Our TG600 turbogenerator will be a key component of the ERA regional aircraft’s hybrid propulsion system. Our teams will now be working alongside those at Aura Aero towards the first flight of a prototype."
Jérémy Caussade, CEO and co-founder of Aura Aero stated: "We are delighted with this partnership with Safran, which embodies our shared commitment to decarbonised and sovereign aviation. By leveraging Safran's expertise in turbogenerators and next-generation electric motors, we are laying the foundations for a reliable, high-performance hybrid-electric propulsion system tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s regional air transport. Together, we are driving forward the sector’s energy transition with concrete technologies on an industrial scale."
The ERA programme was launched with the aim of contributing to the decarbonisation of air transport. It aims to meet the growing demand for air travel and to replace older aircraft currently in service on regional routes. ERA offers a new approach, with a hybrid-electric propulsion solution that makes a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of these regional routes. The market response has been extremely encouraging, with 700 units already pre-ordered.
At the same time, Safran Electrical & Power has strengthened its partnership with Aura Aero in order to accelerate the development, certification and industrialisation of all-electric propulsion technologies. This includes, in particular, the integration of ENGINeUS engines into the INTEGRAL E single-engine training aircraft, and paves the way for future innovative propulsion solutions.
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