Aura Aero’s Integral E electric two-seat aircraft has now completed 15 test flights since the French start-up started the campaign on December 3. On April 16, the company released images of the prototype aerobatic model achieving inverted flight for the first time.
Toulouse-based Aura Aero is aiming to complete EASA type certification and start deliveries of the Integral E by the end of 2026. It recently delivered the first example of the Integral R light aircraft, powered by a Lycoming piston engine, and it is also producing an Integral S tail-dragger version, for which deliveries should begin by the end of this year. The aircraft are intended for applications including aerobatics, flight training, private transportation, and glider towing.
According to the manufacturer, the Integral E, which is powered by Safran’s EngineUs electric motor, will have a flight endurance of more than 60 minutes and be able to compete recharging in 30 minutes. It has said that the electric aircraft should deliver flight hour operating costs to schools and clubs that are around half of current piston-powered models.
Aura Aero is also developing a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner called the ERA. It intends to offer this in an alternative corporate/private configuration with fewer seats.