Aerospace

Safran signs an agreement with Diamond Aircraft to provide the motor for eDA40 electric aircraft

AERO Friedrichshafen, Germany – April 27, 2022
Safran Electrical & Power, world leader in aircraft electrical systems, and Diamond Aircraft, amongst
the leading aircraft manufacturer in general aviation, have just announced a cooperation agreement
to equip the eDA40 all-electric training aircraft with an ENGINeUSTM electric smart motor.
Safran Electrical & Power will supply the electric motor for the eDA40, a derivative of the existing and certified
DA40 platform, which will be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric airplane with Direct Current (DC)
fast charging –capable of turning around a depleted aircraft in under 20 minutes. Total flight time is expected
to be up to 90 minutes as the battery technologies evolve. The eDA40 is expected to reduce operating costs
by up to 40% compared to traditional piston aircraft.
The ENGINeUSTM product line includes a broad range of electric motors with power outputs from single digit
to 500 kW. The ENGINeUS TM 100, that will equip the eDA40, delivers 130 kW maximum at take-off power
and features a fully integrated motor controller within the machine. The thermal management is provided by
an optimized air-cooling system. The certification of the electric motor is planned for mid-2023. Basic EASA
certification for the eDA40 is expected with end of 2023/early 2024.
“The DA40 is a proven aircraft, arousing worldwide interest among private pilots and professional flight
training operators. Creating an electric version and participating in the electrification of this best seller aircraft
is not only a technical challenge, but it is also a response to the growing global demand to decarbonize
aviation using electric propulsion. This new contract demonstrates the success of our ENGINeUSTM product
line and confirms the strong interest of the market in our approach to further increase the electric powertrain
performance”, said Thierry Sieg, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Safran Electrical & Power.
“We are excited to announce the motor partner for the eDA40,” says Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond
Aircraft Industries Austria. “With Safran we are having an expert partner for electric propulsion systems
aboard. The smart motor’s state-of-the-art technology including smart features paired with a well-advanced
certification process is the logic choice for our eDA40. We are looking forward to the first flights scheduled
for end 2022.”

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.