Safran’s ENGINeUS 100, believed to be the first electric motor certified for new air mobility, has received approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The certification followed an extensive campaign, including over 100 flight hours in real-world conditions and 1,500 hours of motor testing.
This achievement reflects four years of collaboration with EASA to establish airworthiness rules for electric propulsion and develop appropriate assessment and certification methods.
ENGINeUS 100 motor’s design includes power and control electronics that are directly integrated into the motor. Its compact design, lightweight construction, and air-cooling system allow easy integration with various propulsion architectures. It delivers a maximum power of 125 kW, with a weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg.
The ENGINeUS motor’s versatility allows it to meet the diverse requirements of the new mobility market: from small two to four passenger aircraft with 100% electric propulsion, to 19-passenger regional transport aircraft with distributed hybrid-electric propulsion, and even future generations of commercial aircraft engines capable of carrying 150 passengers with electric hybridization.
Certification of the ENGINeUS 100 is a core milestone towards the production and market launch of the first aircraft, with many planemakers operating in new air mobility have already opted for Safran’s ENGINeUS motor range or GENeUS motor-generators: AURA AERO, CAE, Bye Aerospace, Electra, Diamond Aircraft, TCab Tech, and VoltAero.
Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power, commented, “We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation. By obtaining certification for the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first. For Safran Electrical & Power and its institutional partners, this event represents an immense source of pride.”
Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director, also stated, “This was a fascinating project for EASA, and the first test of our Special Condition designed for the certification of hybrid and all-electric propulsion.
“EASA is fully committed to support the development and certification of propulsion technologies aimed at decarbonizing aviation. We congratulate Safran for this key achievement, which is paving the way for electrification of aviation, for small airplanes and beyond.”
