Aviation milestone: EASA Certifies Safran’s ENGINeUS 100 Electric Motor

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Aviation has taken a significant step forward with the certification of the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor from Safran Electrical & Power by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement represents an unprecedented advance in aviation electrification and the development of new sustainable propulsion designs.

A Rigorous Certification Process

The ENGINeUS 100 obtained its certification after an exhaustive testing process that included 1,500 hours of certification trials and over 100 hours of flight under real conditions. This motor is the result of four years of joint work between Safran and EASA to establish specific airworthiness standards for electric propulsion and develop the appropriate methods for its evaluation and certification.

Cutting-Edge Innovation and Technology

The ENGINeUS 100 stands out for its innovative design, which integrates power electronics and control directly into the motor. Its compact and lightweight architecture, along with its air-cooling system, makes it a versatile solution for various aerial mobility applications. This motor delivers a maximum power output of 125 kW with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW/kg.

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Mass Production for the New Aerial Mobility

To meet the growing market demand, Safran Electrical & Power is preparing for mass production of the ENGINeUS range. By 2026, the company will implement four semi-automated production lines in Niort (France) and Pitstone (United Kingdom), with the capacity to manufacture over 1,000 electric motors per year and the possibility of scaling up production in the future.

Applications and Future of Electric Propulsion

The ENGINeUS 100 motor is designed to adapt to multiple propulsion architectures:

  • 100% electric propulsion for small aircraft carrying 2 to 4 passengers.
  • Distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for regional aircraft with up to 19 passengers.
  • Electric hybridization for commercial aircraft engines with a capacity of up to 150 passengers.

Several aircraft manufacturers dedicated to new aerial mobility have already selected the ENGINeUS range or Safran’s GENeUS generator-motors. These include AURA AERO, Bye Aerospace, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Electra, TCab Tech, and VoltAero.

Safran Electrical & Power CEO, Bruno Bellanger, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement: “We have witnessed a key moment in aviation history. The certification of the ENGINeUS 100 motor represents immense pride for Safran and its institutional partners.”

Meanwhile, Rachel Daeschler, EASA’s Director of Certification, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “This project has been a fascinating experience for EASA and the first test of our Special Condition for hybrid and fully electric propulsion certification. EASA is fully committed to supporting the development and certification of propulsion technologies aimed at decarbonizing aviation.”

A Decisive Step Toward Sustainable Aviation

The certification of the ENGINeUS 100 is a fundamental step for the production and commercialization of electrically powered aircraft. This milestone not only marks the beginning of a new era in aviation but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

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