French aerospace manufacturer Safran has achieved a historic milestone in aviation with the certification of its INGENeUS 100 electric engine for commercial use. This world-first certification was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking a major step forward in the development of electric aircraft technology.
A New Era for Electric Aviation
The INGENeUS 100, developed by Safran Electrical & Power (SE&P), is designed to power small aircraft and is already capable of flying a one- or two-passenger plane. However, Safran has bigger ambitions for the technology.
According to Bruno Bellanger, president of SE&P: "We are developing an XL version of the INGENeUS engine, with plans to create a whole range of electric engines for future customers."
By equipping small commuter aircraft, such as the Beechcraft, with six to eight INGENeUS engines, Safran envisions a new generation of regional electric planes. These aircraft could carry 9 to 19 passengers on routes like Paris-Nice or Pau-Marseille, covering distances between 500 and 1,000 kilometers.
Decades of Investment in Electric Flight
Safran has invested heavily in developing the INGENeUS 100, employing over 100 engineers for the past ten years. While the company has not disclosed the exact investment amount, it describes it as "very significant."
The certification of the INGENeUS 100 represents a crucial step toward sustainable aviation, as airlines and manufacturers seek alternatives to fossil-fuel-powered aircraft. With short-haul routes being a key target for early electric aviation adoption, Safran’s innovation could revolutionize regional air travel.
