Safran electric engine fitted to testbed aircraft

Safran Electrical & Power’s ENGINeUS smart electric motors will begin flying in November 2019 on the testbed for VoltAero’s Cassio hybrid-electric general aviation aircraft.

Two ENGINeUS 45 motor versions will be installed in forward-facing positions on the wings of VoltAero’s Cassio 1 testbed, as part of this aircraft’s ‘push-pull’ propulsion configuration. The ENGINeUS 45 engine delivers a continuous power of 45kW and features built-in, dedicated control electronics.

Safran Electrical & Power revealed the ENGINeUS range of electric motors at last year’s NBAA-BACE conference and exhibition. By integrating the ENGINeUS 45 motors on Cassio 1, Safran Electrical & Power will contribute to the development of a highly promising hybrid-electric general aviation aircraft.

“Since our unveiling of ENGINeUS, we have worked daily to continually improve the motors’ exceptional performance, and we’ve just started their industrialisation to address the emerging market of more-electric aircraft,” said Hervé Blanc, executive vice president and general manager of the electrical systems and motors division at Safran Electrical & Power.

VoltAero will integrate the two ENGINeUS 45 motors on Cassio 1 to replace a pair of earlier-generation electric motors that were utilised during initial testing. The Cassio 1 testbed is validating VoltAero’s design of an all-new hybrid-electric aircraft with seating for four to nine passengers, which is tailored for operation by private owners, air taxi/charter companies, in commercial flights for point-to-point regional travel, and in various utility-category applications.

“VoltAero is at the forefront in introducing a new era of safe, efficient and eco-friendly flight,” stated Jean Botti, the VoltAero CEO and chief technical officer. “With the use of ENGINeUS 45 motors, we will fully benefit from Safran’s cutting-edge technology in smart, efficient and optimised electric propulsion.”

The ENGINeUS product line includes a range of electric motors with power outputs up to 500kW. The technology optimises the electrical architecture by consolidating several key conversion, control and battery interface functions – with the motors’ mechanical and structural characteristics perfectly suited to their use on aircraft.

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