Safran Electrical & Power proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the ENGINeUS 100 motor, marking it as the first electric motor approved for new air mobility.
This certification follows an extensive campaign, featuring 1,500 hours of motor testing and over 100 flight hours on an aircraft under real-world conditions. It represents the culmination of four years of collaboration with EASA to establish specific airworthiness standards for electric propulsion and develop effective assessment and certification methods.
The ENGINeUS 100 electric motor is a groundbreaking innovation, featuring power and control electronics seamlessly integrated into its design. Its compact, lightweight structure and air cooling system enable effortless integration into any propulsion architecture. With a maximum power output of 125 kW, it boasts an exceptional weight-to-power ratio of 5 kW/kg.
Safran Electrical & Power is set to mass-produce the ENGINeUS range by establishing four semi-automated production lines in 2026 in Niort (France) and Pitstone (UK). This will enable the production of over 1,000 electric motors annually, with the capability to further increase output.
The ENGINeUS electric motor is expertly crafted to meet the diverse demands of the new mobility market, thanks to its seamless integration into various architectures. It supports everything from 100% electric propulsion for small two to four-passenger aircraft to distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-passenger regional transport aircraft, and even the electric hybridization of future commercial aircraft engines designed to carry 150 passengers. Leading aircraft makers in new air mobility, such as AURA AERO, Bye Aerospace, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Electra, TCab Tech, and VoltAero, have already chosen Safran's ENGINeUS motor range or GENeUS motor-generators. The certification of the ENGINeUS 100 marks a significant achievement towards the production and market launch of the first aircraft.
“We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation. By obtaining certification for the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first. For Safran Electrical & Power and its institutional partners, this event represents an immense source of pride”, said Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power.
“This was a fascinating project for EASA, and the first test of our Special Condition designed for the certification of hybrid and all-electric propulsion,” said Rachel Daeschler, EASA Certification Director. “EASA is fully committed to supporting the development and certification of propulsion technologies aimed at decarbonizing aviation. We congratulate Safran for this key achievement, which is paving the way for the electrification of aviation, for small aeroplanes and beyond.”
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