FutureFlight

The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus made its public debut this week at the Paris Airshow. Having completed the first flight tests in 2022 using a conventional thermal engine, the EcoPulse team is now working to integrate the hybrid-electric propulsion system and plans to fly the converted aircraft for the first time this summer.

A 600-kilowatt turbogenerator based on Safran's Arrano turboshaft engine will provide electrical power for Electra's HeSTOL prototype that is planned to fly in 2025. Safran Helicopter Engines will also provide the aircraft's power management system.

Wisk Aero will use Safran’s SkyNaute inertial navigation system for the four-passenger eVTOL air taxi it intends to operate fully autonomously, without a pilot on board. The companies announced the partnership this week at the Paris Airshow.

The hydrogen-powered Rapace unmanned air vehicle (UAV) took to the air for the first time in early May. It was the first flight of a drone with closed cathode and liquid-cooled fuel cell outside of the U.S.

Charter provider Elit’Avia has added eight additional orders for Aura Aero's hybrid-electric regional airliner to its existing order for 20, boosting Aura's order book to more than 330 aircraft secured by letters of intent. The company is developing a series of two-seat training aircraft as well as the 19-seat ERA airliner at its Toulouse Francazal Airport headquarters.

Washington state is investing another $350,000 in hydrogen propulsion system developer ZeroAvia, Governor Jay Inslee said Monday at the Paris Airshow. The additional funding will support the expansion of ZeroAvia’s research and development activities at Paine Field, an airport located in Snohomish County, Washington. 

Embraer is collaborating with Japanese electric motor manufacturer Nidec to develop propulsion systems for electric aircraft, the companies said on June 18 at the Paris Air Show. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer and Nidec have agreed to form a joint venture company called Nidec Aerospace to develop a vehicle-agnostic portfolio of products for the aerospace industry, starting with electric motors for eVTOL aircraft.

Lilium has announced its first purchase agreement with a Chinese operator, as well as plans to open a regional headquarters in China. Chinese business aircraft operator and helicopter service provider Shenzhen East General Aviation (Heli-Eastern) has agreed to purchase 100 Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft, which it intends to operate throughout China’s heavily populated Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Cassio 330 hybrid-electric, fixed-wing aircraft is the first of three models under development by French company VoltAero. The company is using a 165-kilowatt engine supplied by its strategic investor Kawasaki Motors, and Akira Technologies is helping with other aspects of the propulsion system.

At least 11 eVTOL aircraft developers are exhibiting at this week's Paris Air Show, raising the profile of the new advanced air mobility sector on the international stage. Those present included Archer, Ascendance Flight Technologies, AutoFlight, Eve, EHang, Joby, Lilium, Overair, Supernal, Volocopter, and Wisk Aero.