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Safran extends partnership with Aura Aero for hybrid-electric propulsion on ERA aircraft
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Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero have signed a partnership agreement for the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) propulsion. The two partners will work together to evaluate integration solutions for the turbogenerator developed by Safran, in line with the requirements defined for the ERA, a 19 seater regional aircraft. This Memorandum of Understanding follows an agreement signed in April 2022 between Aura Aero and Safran Electrical & Power, covering the aircraft's electrical equipment.
Designed for breakthrough propulsive architectures such as Aura Aero's ERA project, a turbogenerator comprises a gas turbine combined with one or more electrical generators, as well as an innovative system to regulate electrical power and voltage. Safran Helicopter Engines, which leverages on all Safran's expertise in electrical equipment, starting with Safran Electrical & Power, has already ground-tested several types of turbogenerator at various power levels.
"Becoming an Aura Aero partner is excellent news for Safran Helicopter Engines. We share the same ambition to decarbonize air transport, and are ready to bring them our expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, developed through several tests" said Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice-President, OEM Sales
Jeremy Caussade, CEO of Aura Aero, added: "We're delighted that Safran Helicopter Engines has joined us, bringing their expertise and insight to this project".
Developed by Aura Aero, the ERA is a 19 seater regional aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion, scheduled to make its first flight in 2026, with a view to entering service in 2028. It has an orderbook of several hundred Letters of Intent.
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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 83 000 employees and sales of 19.0 billion euros in 2022, 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 Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.
A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, AURA AERO is committed to serve mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization, by industrializing disruptive technologies resolutely focused on the aviation of tomorrow. Combining the best in the aeronautical industry and digital technologies, AURA AERO manufactures aircraft that offer unrivaled efficiency on the market of eco-efficient vehicles.
Founded in 2018, AURA AERO is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, and employs 200 people. In addition to its many shareholders, the manufacturer is supported by the Occitanie Region, the BPI (French Public Investment Bank) and venture capital firm Innovacom. Laureate of the France Relance modernization fund and benefiting from the France 2023 investment plan, AURA AERO is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.
Safran est un groupe international de haute technologie opérant dans les domaines de l’aéronautique (propulsion, équipements et intérieurs), de l’espace et de la défense. Sa mission : contribuer durablement à un monde plus sûr, où le transport aérien devient toujours plus respectueux de l’environnement, plus confortable et plus accessible. Implanté sur tous les continents, le Groupe emploie 83 000 collaborateurs pour un chiffre d'affaires de 19,0 milliards d'euros en 2022, et occupe, seul ou en partenariat, des positions de premier plan mondial ou européen sur ses marchés. Safran est une société cotée sur Euronext Paris et fait partie des indices CAC 40 et Euro Stoxx 50.
Safran Helicopter Engines est le leader mondial de la motorisation pour hélicoptères, avec plus de 75 000 moteurs produits depuis sa création. La société offre la plus large gamme de turbomoteurs et compte 2 500 clients répartis dans 155 pays.
Pionnier de l’aviation bas-carbone, AURA AERO s’engage au service de l’humanité en concevant et fabriquant des avions qui accélèrent la décarbonation du transport aérien, en industrialisant des technologies de rupture résolument tournées vers l’aviation de demain. Par la combinaison du meilleur de l’industrie aéronautique et du digital, AURA AERO produit des avions présentant une efficacité inégalée sur le marché des véhicules éco-efficients.
Créée en 2018, AURA AERO est basée à l’aéroport de Toulouse-Francazal et emploie 200 personnes. En plus de ses nombreux actionnaires, le constructeur bénéficie du soutien de la Région Occitanie, de la BPI et du fonds d’investissements Innovacom. Lauréat de France Relance et bénéficiant du Plan d’investissements France 2023, AURA AERO siège au comité exécutif de l’AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), une initiative de l’Union Européenne.
- © Safran
- © Aura Aero