Safran Helicopter Engines and French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO have signed a new agreement to develop and integrate hybrid-electric turbogenerators for the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), marking another milestone in the programme’s journey towards certification and entry into commercial service.
The agreement builds on the memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in 2023 and covers the development and integration of Safran’s turbogenerators for the ERA prototype, while also paving the way for series production of the aircraft’s hybrid-electric propulsion system.
The 19-seat ERA regional aircraft will feature a hybrid-electric propulsion architecture comprising eight electric propulsion units powered by two Safran TG600 turbogenerators. Each turbogenerator will generate up to 600 kW of electrical power and is based on Safran Helicopter Engines‘ latest-generation Arrano engine. The propulsion system will also incorporate two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power, which will provide power to the company’s ENGINeUS electric motors.
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According to Safran, the propulsion architecture has been designed to deliver high operational reliability, improved performance and lower fuel consumption while meeting the requirements for commercial operations and future serial production.
The collaboration represents an important step towards the ERA aircraft’s maiden flight and certification programme, while reinforcing the growing role of hybrid-electric propulsion technologies in advancing sustainable regional aviation. For the aerospace aftermarket, the programme also highlights the increasing need for new maintenance capabilities, digital diagnostics and specialised support for hybrid-electric propulsion systems as next-generation aircraft enter service.
