Ascendance has selected the ENGINeUS, an EASA-certified electric motor developed by Safran Electrical & Power, for the prototype flying ATEA, its hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
ATEA features an innovative propulsion architecture consisting of eight vertical electric motors and two horizontal electric motors. The aircraft is a silent, low-carbon alternative to conventional helicopters, designed to reduce environmental impact and contribute to more efficient regional connections.
The flying ATEA demonstrator, currently in production, will be equipped with two ENGINeUS electric motors, each providing horizontal propulsion with over 100 kW of power. With its power and control electronics integrated directly into the motor and an optimized air cooling system, ENGINeUS meets ATEA’s requirements.
Ascendance began the ground testing campaign at its representative aircraft test facilities in Muret, south of Toulouse, France. The purpose of the testing is to approve the integration of new technologies, including ENGINeUS, into ATEA’s hybrid electric propulsion system and validate their performance.
The ATEA project was selected in 2023 within the framework of the France 2030 recovery plan, as part of the “Produce a low-carbon aircraft in France” program. As such, Ascendance reportedly relies on a number of French companies for the aircraft’s key systems.
Jean-Christophe Lambert, Ascendance’s CEO, commented, “Safety is central to our program, particularly the first of our test flights to be conducted with a pilot on board. This collaboration with Safran Electrical & Power, a leading industry player, is an opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise in performance and safety, as well as the performance of the ENGINeUS motors.”
Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Power Division, Safran Electrical & Power, added, “We are very proud to support Ascendance with their ambitious VTOL ATEA program. This announcement, which comes after the EASA certification of our ENGINeUS motor, consolidates our position as a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion. It is the result of several months of technical collaboration between our two companies in the Occitanie French region.”
