Volocopter and Safran Electrical & Power have signed an agreement with the intention to collaborate on developing a next generation powertrain for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The agreement, revealed at 2023 Paris Air Show, covers the exploration of commercial and engineering partnerships, specifically around the entire electric powertrain ranging from the electrical propulsion system (EPS), battery units, and power distribution system to wider engineering services.
According to Volocopter, the company brings decades of expertise with Safran in aircraft development which is now applied to the novel eVTOL and EPS space.
Olivier Andriès, Safran CEO, said: “Volocopter is pioneering Urban Air Mobility. With a feasible design and a clear ambition to start operations as soon as next summer in Paris, we would be proud to partner with them for their future development in this highly promising new branch of the aviation industry. Safran has always kept up with the times and pushed innovation to decarbonize aviation.”
Dirk Hoke, Volocopter CEO, added: “The prospect of collaborating with Safran, a leader in powertrain development as part of our UAM-ecosystem is exciting on several levels. Optimizing battery density and improving EPS effectiveness is the biggest performance lever for lightweight aircraft like eVTOLs. And on a personal note, it’s a stellar example of French German industry collaboration to keep European technology innovation competitive on a global level.”
