2023-05-16 07:09:52
The French start-up Aura Aero unveiled the final design of its aircraft hybrid-electric ERAwhich will have eight propeller engines instead of the six initially planned.
Weighing 8.6 tonnes and designed to board 19 passengers over 900 nautical miles (1,600 km, including 150 covered in all-electric), the Toulouse start-up’s ERA concept was unveiled in finalized configuration on May 12, 2023, a month before the start of the Paris Air Show where pre-orders are of course expected. One of the most visible innovations is the change from six to eight motorswhich will be powered by two turbogenerators as well as four electric battery packs “in a 800V network “. To, according to Aura Aero, “reduce energy and maintenance costs by 50%, and emissions by 80%” compared to the current generation of 19-seater aircraft with conventional engines (one thinks of the Beechcraft 1900D from Twin Jet between others).
ERA should make its first flight in 2026, and enter commercial service in 2028.
It should be remembered that Aura Aero is also preparing in its facilities at Toulouse-Francazal a 100% electric two-seater light aircraft, called Integral E. May 12 was his last day on the test bed. We will then integrate propulsion and ground tests with the objective of achieving the first flight before the end of the year. “, explains in the Tribune Jérémy Caussade, CEO of Aura Aero. THE SKILLS acquired for Integral E “ should serve as a launching pad for the development of a much more ambitious project, ERA, a 19-seat electric-powered regional transport aircraft ».
For ERA, having more motors makes it possible to move towards less complex models, easier to integrate and with less maintenance required afterwards “, specifies for his part the technical director Mattia Padulo. The choice of hybrid rather than all-electric propulsion is to have ” the strongest impact and address the bulk of the market according to the CEO.
Aura Aero claims to be strong 330 pre-orders from nine airlines and leasing companies – including Amedeo who signed for 200 copies.
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