Safran Electrical & Power Achieves World-First EASA Certification for ENGINeUS 100 Electric Motor

Safran Electrical & Power Achieves World-First EASA Certification for ENGINeUS 100 Electric Motor

(IN BRIEF) Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world-first certification for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), making it the first motor approved to power new air mobility solutions. Following extensive testing and a four-year collaboration with EASA, the motor is ready to be mass-produced, with production lines set to be established in France and the UK by 2026. The ENGINeUS 100 offers innovations such as integrated power and control electronics, a compact design, and a weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg. It is adaptable to various applications, from small electric aircraft to hybrid-electric regional planes and future commercial aircraft. Several companies in air mobility have already chosen Safran’s technology. This achievement marks a major step in the electrification of aviation.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 4-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the certification of the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), making it the world’s first electric motor approved for powering new air mobility solutions. After an extensive certification process, which included 1,500 hours of motor tests and over 100 flight hours on an aircraft under real-world conditions, this achievement reflects four years of collaboration with EASA to establish specific airworthiness criteria for electric propulsion and develop appropriate certification methods.

The ENGINeUS 100 motor represents a leap forward in innovation, featuring integrated power and control electronics within the motor itself. Its compact and lightweight design, combined with an air cooling system, allows for seamless integration into various propulsion architectures. With a maximum power output of 125 kW and an exceptional weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg, the motor sets a new benchmark in electric propulsion technology.

Looking ahead, Safran Electrical & Power is gearing up to mass-produce the ENGINeUS range, with plans to establish four semi-automated production lines in Niort (France) and Pitstone (UK) by 2026. This setup will enable the production of more than 1,000 electric motors per year, with the capacity to scale up as demand increases.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of the emerging air mobility market, the ENGINeUS motor can be adapted to various applications, from fully electric propulsion systems for small two- to four-passenger aircraft to distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-passenger regional aircraft. It is also poised to play a crucial role in the hybridization of future commercial aircraft engines capable of carrying up to 150 passengers. Several manufacturers involved in new air mobility, including AURA AERO, Bye Aerospace, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Electra, TCab Tech, and VoltAero, have already selected Safran’s ENGINeUS motor range or GENeUS motor-generators for their projects. The certification of the ENGINeUS 100 represents a significant step towards the production and commercial launch of these aircraft.

Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power, commented, “This certification marks a pivotal moment in aviation history. Safran Electrical & Power, alongside our institutional partners, takes immense pride in achieving this world-first with the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor.”

Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director, added, “This project has been a fascinating challenge for EASA, testing our Special Condition framework for certifying hybrid and all-electric propulsion systems. EASA is fully committed to supporting the development and certification of propulsion technologies that aim to decarbonize aviation. We congratulate Safran on this significant achievement, which is paving the way for the electrification of aviation, starting with small aircraft and extending beyond.”

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Electrical & Power is one of the world’s leaders in aircraft electrical systems. The company is a key player in equipment electrification and in the electric and hybrid propulsion sector. It has 14,300 employees across 13 different countries.

For more information, visit: www.safran-group.com

Media Contact:

Mélodie Susini
Safran Electrical & Power
+33 6 42 81 99 04
melodie.susini@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran