Ascendance has chosen ENGINeUS, the first EASA-certified electric motor developed by Safran Electrical & Power, for the prototype of its hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, ATEA. Featuring an innovative propulsion architecture with eight vertical electric motors and two horizontal electric motors, ATEA is designed as a quiet, low-carbon alternative to conventional helicopters, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enable more efficient regional connections.
The flying ATEA demonstrator, currently in production, will be fitted with two ENGINeUS electric motors produced by Safran Electrical & Power. These motors, each delivering over 100kW of power, will provide horizontal propulsion. With integrated power and control electronics and an optimised air cooling system, the ENGINeUS motors meet the specific performance and design requirements of ATEA.
Ascendance has commenced its ground testing campaign at its dedicated aircraft test facilities in Muret, south of Toulouse, France. These tests are intended to validate the integration of new technologies, including the ENGINeUS motors, into ATEA's hybrid-electric propulsion system and confirm their performance.
The ATEA project was selected in 2023 under the France 2030 recovery plan, as part of the “Produce a low-carbon aircraft in France” programme. As part of this initiative, Ascendance is working closely with several French partners for the development of the aircraft's key systems.
