Safran ENGINeUS Motor Selected by H55 to Power Next Generation Electric Training Aircraft

Safran ENGINeUS Motor Selected by H55 to Power Next Generation Electric Training Aircraft

(IN BRIEF) H55 has selected Safran Electrical & Power to supply the ENGINeUS electric motor for the Bristell B23 Energic aircraft, combining certified propulsion and energy storage technologies to advance electric aviation. The collaboration aims to accelerate certification and deployment of electric propulsion systems for light aircraft, particularly in the pilot training market. With production support starting in 2027, the partnership is positioned to enable a smoother transition to zero-emission flight operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE / SION, 13-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — H55 has partnered with Safran Electrical & Power to integrate the ENGINeUS electric motor into its propulsion system for the fully electric Bristell B23 Energic aircraft. The agreement marks a significant step forward in advancing certified electric propulsion solutions for the general aviation sector.

The collaboration brings together Safran’s EASA-certified ENGINeUS motor technology and H55’s expertise in energy storage and propulsion system integration. Together, the companies aim to deliver a fully certifiable propulsion solution tailored to CS-23 / Part 23 Level 1 and 2 aircraft, addressing one of the key challenges in electric aviation—achieving regulatory certification.

Electric propulsion unit for the Bristell B23 Energic

By combining their respective capabilities, the partnership is expected to accelerate the development and availability of electric propulsion systems for next-generation light aircraft with seating capacities ranging from two to six passengers. Both companies have recently reached important certification milestones with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, strengthening their ability to bring certified solutions to market.

The Bristell B23 Energic program will serve as a primary platform for certification efforts, with a focus on the growing market for electric pilot training aircraft. Demand in this segment is being driven by the need for reduced operating costs and zero-emission flight operations.

Under the agreement, Safran Electrical & Power will support both the prototype phase and serial production, with activities scheduled to begin in 2027. The company will also provide ongoing in-service support to ensure operational reliability throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle.

Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power Division at Safran Electrical & Power, highlighted the ENGINeUS motor’s performance advantages, including its high power-to-weight ratio and proven reliability. She emphasized its role in enabling both fully electric and hybrid aircraft, positioning it as a key component in the transition to certified electric aviation solutions.

Rob Solomon, CEO of H55, noted that the partnership combines two leading areas of expertise in certified electric aviation—energy storage and electric propulsion. He explained that integrating these capabilities provides aircraft manufacturers with a complete, certifiable propulsion system, significantly shortening the timeline required to bring electric aircraft to market.

Martin Bristela, CEO and Co-Founder of BRM AERO, added that the Bristell B23 platform is already widely used by flight schools across Europe and North America. With the addition of certified electric propulsion, operators will be able to transition to zero-emission training without major operational changes, maintaining the same cockpit environment and support infrastructure.

The partnership represents a practical step toward scaling electric aviation, particularly in the training segment, where the shift to sustainable operations is expected to accelerate in the coming years.

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 more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global 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.

For more information: www.safran-group.com / Follow @Safran on Twitter

Safran Electrical & Power is one of the one of the world leaders in aeronautical electrical systems. The company has expertise across the entire onboard electrical chain: generation systems, distribution, converters, motors, batteries, wiring, components, and ventilation equipment. It has more than 15,500 employees in 13 countries.

H55 is a Swiss-based company specializing in certified electric propulsion and certification-grade energy storage systems for aviation. The company enables electric aviation to scale by transforming commercial lithium cells into aviation-safe Energy Storage Systems that regulators approve, insurers underwrite, and OEMs can deploy repeatedly as a certified propulsion platform across aircraft programs. This is achieved through independent cell characterization, rigorous incoming screening, redundant safety architectures, and regulator-aligned testing designed around worst-case failure scenarios.

Founded as the technological legacy of the Solar Impulse program, H55 builds on more than two decades of hands-on electric aviation experience. The company has designed, built, and flown multiple electric aircraft and has accumulated more than 2,000 hours of fully electric flight with zero battery-related incidents—providing the operational depth required to execute certification-grade programs, not merely comply with them.

H55 benefits from a strong and experienced leadership team that combines deep expertise in scaling technology companies with hands-on operational execution. Together, these capabilities support a reliable transition from certified design to repeatable series manufacturing. H55’s platform-based approach, in which certification evidence compounds across programs, reduces adoption risk while facilitating the capital-efficient deployment of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

Bristell by BRM Aero, founded in 2009 by Milan and Martin Bristela is a Czech aircraft manufacturer specializing in light sport and general aviation aircraft. With comprehensive in-house manufacturing at its Kunovice facility, the company produces 110+ aircraft annually and delivers through 30+ authorized dealers worldwide. Bristell’s portfolio includes FAA- and EASA-certified and MOSAIC aircraft, known for modern Garmin avionics, efficient performance, and a strong safety focus, with features such as all-metal airframes and optional BRS ballistic parachute systems. Learn more at bristell.com.

Media Contacts:

Mélodie Susini

Safran Electrical & Power

+33 6 42 81 99 04

melodie.susini@safrangroup.com

Axelle Krummenacher

H55

+41 79 464 22 60

axelle.krummenacher@h55.ch

Marek Šoth

Bristell – BRM AERO

+420 601 552 553

marek.soth@bristell.com

SOURCE: Safran