Safran creates four production lines for its electric motors

Four automated lines will be divided between France and Great Britain

In early 2025, Safran Electrical & Power will open four lines to automate the manufacture of its electric motors: Two in Niort (western-central France), at the Group's electrical systems center of excellence, which boasts highly efficient test benches; and two in Pitstone (Great Britain), at the rotating machines center of excellence. The Pitstone site will be home to the automatic production lines for rotors and stators – the rotating machines at the heart of the motors – while the Niort site will handle the automatic production of power electronics and final motor assembly.

Each automated line will include eight workstations capable of carrying out different screwing, gluing and pressing operations simultaneously. These modular stations – each of which is both standalone and connected to the production line – can be adapted in response to future changes to the product.

Safran Electrical & Power is relying on solid partners to create these lines: In Niort, the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) is providing a 50% investment, and special machines specialist Baron is developing the automated lines and the workstations. In Pitstone, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has a 50% stake, and the Adelphi group will supply the lines and the workstations. Two British universities – the University of Warwick and the Nottingham Trent University – are also providing their expertise in implementing co-engineering methods.

ENGINeUS motors on board electric and hybrid aircraft

Five aircraft manufacturers and startups – VoltAero, Aura Aero, Bye Aerospace, Diamond Aircraft and CAE – have already selected ENGINeUS electric motors to equip their 100% electric or hybrid aircraft. These motors are aimed at all market segments, from air taxis and training aircraft to commuters and regional aircraft, including the hybridization of future generations of engines for commercial aircraft.

Safran Electrical & Power has recently obtained Design Organisation Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its ENGINeUS electric motor, and is currently conducting final tests with a view to certification in early 2024.

“We have chosen to create our future automated lines of electric motors in Niort and Pitstone because these facilities are a perfect fit with our industrial plan. This is a significant step towards mass production of our ENGINeUS electric motors to the highest performance standard. We are currently on the home stretch in obtaining final certification from the air authorities. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonization strategy,” says Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Power division of Safran Electrical & Power.