Safran and Aura Aero reach new milestone for ERA hybrid-electric propulsion system

Safran and Aura Aero advance the ERA hybrid-electric propulsion system

Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero have reached a further milestone in their partnership on the hybrid-electric propulsion system for the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), Aura’s forthcoming 19-seat regional aircraft.

The companies have signed an agreement covering the development and integration of Safran turbogenerators for the ERA prototype, paving the way for series production of its propulsion system. The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 and marks an important step towards the aircraft’s first flight, certification and eventual entry into service.

The ERA propulsion architecture will comprise eight electric propulsion units powered by two TG600 turbogenerators, each capable of producing 600 kW of electricity. The turbogenerators combine Safran Helicopter Engines’ latest-generation Arrano engine with two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power. That company will also provide the ENGINeUS motors for the electric propulsion units. The architecture is intended to deliver reliability, operational performance and low consumption, while meeting commercial operations and series-production requirements.

“We are particularly pleased to have reached this important milestone in our partnership with Aura Aero, thereby helping to advance aviation decarbonisation alongside this growing French aircraft manufacturer. Our TG600 turbogenerator will be a key component of the ERA regional aircraft’s hybrid propulsion system. Our teams will now work alongside those of Aura Aero towards the first flight of a prototype,” said Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines.

“We are delighted with this partnership with Safran, which embodies our shared commitment to decarbonised and sovereign aviation. By drawing on Safran’s expertise in next-generation turbogenerators and 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 regional aircraft and aviation decarbonisation

The ERA programme was launched to help decarbonise air transport. It is designed to address rising demand for air travel and replace older aircraft currently operating on regional routes.

The ERA aircraft takes a new approach through a hybrid-electric propulsion solution that makes a significant contribution to decarbonising these regional services. Market interest has been highly encouraging, with 700 aircraft already pre-ordered.

Electric propulsion technologies for the INTEGRAL E

In parallel, Safran Electrical & Power has strengthened its partnership with Aura Aero to accelerate the development, certification and industrialisation of fully electric propulsion technologies. This notably includes integrating ENGINeUS motors into the single-engine INTEGRAL E training aircraft, while opening the way for future innovative propulsion solutions.

Information from Safran