Electra Aero has signed an agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines to develop the 600 kW electric turbogenerator propulsion system for the prototype of Electra’s nine-passenger hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, reports a press release. This turbogenerator is an essential component of Electra’s hybrid-electric propulsion system.
The release explains, “A turbogenerator consists of a gas turbine combined with one or more electric generators, as well as an innovative system of electrical power and voltage regulation.”
It goes on, “Safran Helicopter Engines will develop the Electra turbogenerator on the basis of its Arrano turboshaft engine and is leveraging Safran’s broad expertise in electrical equipment, starting with Safran Electrical & Power, which will supply the two GENeUS electrical generators. Safran has already ground-tested several types of turbogenerators at various power levels.”
The Turbogenerator (Credit: Adrien Daste)
Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice-President, OEM Sales, commented, ”We’ve closely evaluated the advanced air mobility market, and we believe the Electra eSTOL aircraft offers groundbreaking capability in a practical design that meets market needs of both today and tomorrow.”
He continued, “We will be bringing to their project all the expertise we have independently developed in the field of hybrid-electric propulsion, combining electric and thermal energy sources, to develop the right turbogenerator for Electra’s first nine-passenger prototype aircraft.”
James Stewart, Electra’s Vice-President and General Manager, remarked. “Electra has carefully studied aircraft electrification and we believe that hybrid propulsion is key to providing emissions and cost reductions while preserving useful payloads, ranges, and speeds for our customers, ultimately, building a better aircraft. The turbogenerator is at the heart of this hybrid propulsion system.”
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