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, 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.
