Diamond Aircraft and Safran have agreed to equip the eDA40 all-electric trainer aircraft with an ENGINEeUS 100 electric smart motor.
The eDA40 will be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric airplane with direct current fast charging — capable of charging a drained aircraft in less than 20 minutes. EASA certification for the aircraft is expected by early 2024. As battery technology continues to improve, the total expected flight time could be up to 90 minutes between charges.
The ENGINEeUS 100 that will equip the eDA40 will offer 130 kW maximum take-off power and features a fully integrated motor controller. The thermal management will be provided by an optimized air-cooling system.
The electric motor is expected to receive certification next year.
“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 bestseller aircraft is not only a technical challenge, but it is also a response to the growing global demand to decarbonize aviation using electric propulsion,” said Thierry Sieg, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Safran Electrical & Power.
The first flight of the eDA40 is currently scheduled for the end of 2022.
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