Ascendance Chooses Safran “to Propel its ATEA VTOL Aircraft”
France-based Ascendance announced this week, the company has selected ENGINeUS, the first EASA-certified electric motor, developed by Safran Electrical & Power, for its prototype hybrid-electric VTOL called ATEA, reports a press release.
The aircraft which features an innovative propulsion system consisting of eight vertical electric motors and two horizontal electric motors, is “a quiet low-carbon alternative to conventional helicopters, designed to reduce environmental impact and pave the way for more efficient regional connections,” explains the release.
The flying ATEA demonstrator, currently in production, will be equipped with two ENGINeUS electric motors, providing horizontal propulsion and each developing in excess of 100kW. With its power and control electronics integrated directly into the motor and its optimised air cooling system, ENGINeUS is ideal for ATEA’s requirements.
Ascendance has started its ground testing campaign at test facilities in Muret, south of Toulouse, France. The purpose is to approve the integration of new technologies, including Safran’s propulsion system into the aircraft’s hybrid electric propulsion system, while validating the performance.
Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance, commented, “Safety is central to our program, particularly the first of our piloted test flights. This collaboration with Safran is an opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise in performance and safety, as well as the performance of the motors.”
Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Executive VP and General Manager of Power Division, Safran Electrical & Power, added, “This announcement, which comes after the EASA certification of our ENGINeUS motor, consolidates our position as a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion. It is the result of several months of technical collaboration between our two companies in the Occitanie French region.”
The ATEA project was selected in 2023 within the framework of the France 2030 recovery plan, as part of the “produce a low-carbon aircraft” in the program. As such, Ascendance relies on a number of French partners for the aircraft’s key systems.
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(Images: Ascendance Technologies)
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