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

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.