Safran Helicopter Engines and AURA AERO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the motorization project of the ERA aircraft (Electric Regional Aircraft). Both partners will cooperate to evaluate solutions for the integration of the turbo-generators developed by Safran in line with the needs defined for ERA, the 19-seater regional aircraft. This MOU follows a first agreement, signed in April 2022 between AURA AERO and Safran Electrical & Power, which included the electric equipment of this aircraft.
Destined for disruptive propulsive architectures such as AURA AERO’s ERA, a turbo-generator is composed of a gaz turbine combined with one or several electric generators that regulate pressure, as well as an innovative system regulating the power and the electric tension. Safran Helicopter Engines, building on the global expertise of Safran in the field of electric equipment, starting with that of Safran Electrical & Power, has already bench-tested several types of turbo-generators, at different levels of power.
“Becoming a partner of AURA AERO is great news for Safran Helicopter Engines. We share the same will to decarbonize air transport and we are ready to bring them our expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, developed through many tests”, says Florent Chauvancy, Head of Sales at Safran Helicopter Engines.
Jérémy Caussade, CEO of AURA AERO, adds: “We are very excited for Safran Helicopters to join us by bringing their expertise and their relevant eye to this project.”
Developed by AURA AERO, ERA is a 19-seater regional aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion, that should perform its maiden flight in 2026, targeting entry into service in 2028. Letters of Intent have already been signed for several hundred aircraft.
About Safran:
Safran is an international high technology group operating in aeronautics (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission: to contribute, in a sustainable way, to creating a safer world, where air transport gets always more respectful of the environment, more comfortable and more accessible. Established on all the continents, the Group employs 83,000 collaborators for a revenue of 19.0 Bn euros in 2022, and holds, alone or through partnerships, leading positions on global or European level on its markets. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.
Safran Helicopter Engines is a world leader for helicopter engines, with over 75,000 engines produced since its creation. The company offers the largest range of turbo-engines and has 2,500 clients in 155 countries.
About AURA AERO:
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 “France Relance”, AURA AERO is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.
Media Contacts:
François JULIAN : francois.julian@safrangroup.com
Jacques ROCCA : jacques.rocca.external@aura-aero.com
