Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero have signed a development and integration agreement for the hybrid-electric propulsion system of the ERA regional aircraft, marking a key step towards the programme’s first flight and certification.
The agreement covers the integration of Safran’s TG600 turbogenerators into the 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft prototype and follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023. The propulsion system will feature eight electric motors powered by two 600kW turbogenerators, combining Safran’s Arrano helicopter engine with electric generator technology from Safran Electrical & Power.
The partners said the architecture has been designed to deliver the reliability, efficiency and performance required for commercial operations while supporting the decarbonisation of regional aviation.
Aura Aero said the ERA programme has already secured around 700 pre-orders. Separately, Safran Electrical & Power has expanded its collaboration with the aircraft manufacturer to accelerate the development and certification of electric propulsion technologies, including the integration of ENGINeUS motors into the INTEGRAL E training aircraft.
