Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero have reached a fresh milestone in their collaboration on the hybrid-electric propulsion system for the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) programme, Aura’s upcoming 19-seat regional aircraft.
Agreement to develop and integrate Safran turbogenerators for the ERA prototype
The two companies have now signed an agreement covering the development and integration of Safran turbogenerators for the ERA prototype, a step that clears the way towards series production of the propulsion system. The deal follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 and marks a major point on the route to the aircraft’s first flight, certification and eventual entry into service.
ERA hybrid-electric propulsion architecture: TG600, Arrano, GENeUS and ENGINeUS
The ERA’s propulsion layout will use eight electric propulsion units powered by two TG600 turbogenerators, each able to deliver 600 kW of electrical power. The turbogenerators are derived from Safran Helicopter Engines’ latest-generation Arrano engine and incorporate two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power, which will also provide the ENGINeUS motors for the electric propulsion units.
This architecture has been designed to blend reliability, operational performance and low consumption, while meeting the needs of commercial operations and the requirements of series production.
“We are particularly pleased to reach this important milestone in our partnership with Aura Aero and thereby help advance the decarbonisation of aviation alongside this growing French aircraft manufacturer. Our TG600 turbogenerator will be a key component of the hybrid propulsion system for the ERA regional aircraft. Our teams will now be working alongside Aura Aero’s teams towards the first flight of a prototype,” said Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines.
“We are pleased 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 the sector’s energy transition with tangible technologies at industrial scale,” said Jérémy Caussade, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Aura Aero.
ERA programme aims, demand outlook and wider Safran Electrical & Power work
The ERA programme was launched to contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport. It is intended to meet growing demand for air travel and to replace older aircraft currently operating on regional routes.
With its hybrid-electric propulsion solution, the ERA offers a new approach that is expected to make a meaningful contribution to decarbonising those regional operations. Market feedback has been strongly encouraging, with 700 units already pre-ordered.
In parallel, Safran Electrical & Power has strengthened its partnership with Aura Aero to speed up the development, certification and industrialisation of fully electric propulsion technologies. This includes, in particular, the integration of ENGINeUS motors on the INTEGRAL E single-engine training aircraft, and it paves the way for future innovative propulsion solutions.
Information from Safran
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