Safran Electrical & Power will design and manufacture electrical wiring for the propulsion and power distribution systems of the VoltAero Cassio 330, including high-voltage wiring crucial for the aircraft’s certification program.
VoltAero and Safran Electrical & Power formed a pivotal partnership on clean-sheet electric-hybrid aircraft, the Cassio 330, with a contract for the supply of electrical wiring. This reaffirms Safran’s standing as a key partner in VoltAero’s innovative e-airplane project. Under this contract, Safran Electrical & Power will design and manufacture electrical wiring for the propulsion and power distribution systems of the Cassio 330, including high-voltage wiring crucial for the aircraft’s certification program. Notably, the wiring is engineered to withstand altitudes and power ratings up to 800 Volts in continuous operation, with a focus on resisting partial discharge phenomena. Despite being comparable in size to conventional aircraft wiring, the Cassio wiring will handle power levels twice as high.
The partnership extends from a 2020 agreement related to the Cassio 330’s electric-hybrid propulsion system. Beyond electrical wiring, Safran Electrical & Power is set to supply the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, featuring a peak power exceeding 150 kW during takeoff. This motor integrates control electronics and an air-cooling system, optimizing the size-to-power ratio.
“The electrical wiring is a critical element of our Cassio aircraft, and we’ve selected Safran Electrical & Power based on the company’s expertise – particularly at high power levels,” said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technology Officer, VoltAero. “This marks another important step toward the Cassio 330’s certification and service entry,” he further added.
The Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family, with its three versions – Cassio 330, Cassio 480, and Cassio 600 – targets various sectors, including regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation (Medevac) services. VoltAero’s patented electric-hybrid propulsion system integrated into the purpose-designed airframe ensures superior performance compared to current competitors, coupled with significantly lower operational costs.
Serge Pons, General Manager & Executive Vice President of the Interconnection Systems Eurasia division, Safran Electrical & Power said, “We are very proud that VoltAero has renewed its trust by selecting us for the electrical wiring of its Cassio 330 certification aircraft. Safran Electrical & Power’s expertise is the result of many years of investment in research and development on high-power technology. Today, thanks to our technological building blocks for hybrid and 100% electric aircraft, we are actively contributing to the decarbonization of aviation.”
The uniqueness of VoltAero’s propulsion concept lies in the use of the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (for distances less than 150 km.), and landing. The hybrid capability, incorporating an internal combustion engine, serves as both a range extender and a backup in case of electric propulsion issues, ensuring fail-safe functionality.
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In conclusion, Safran Electrical & Power’s involvement in the Cassio 330 project marks a crucial advancement in the realm of electric-hybrid aircraft technology, emphasizing innovation, reliability, and sustainability in aviation. The collaborative efforts between Safran Electrical & Power and VoltAero contribute significantly to the evolution of cleaner and more efficient air travel.
Question- Which company will design and manufacture electrical wiring for the VoltAero Cassio 330?
Answer- Safran Electrical & Power
Question- What is the name of the electric motor that Safran Electrical & Power will supply?
Answer- ENGINeUS 100
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
