Safran Tests Phileas Hybrid-electric Aircraft Engine Demonstrator | Aviation International News

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Safran Tests Phileas Hybrid-electric Demonstrator

Work is aimed at powering future short- and medium-haul aircraft

Safran Aircraft Engines test stand in Istres — Safran has begun testing its latest hybrid-electric demonstrator on stands at its Istres facility in France. © Safran Aircraft Engines

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

July 18, 2026

Safran Aircraft Engines has begun ground tests of its Phileas hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator on open-air test stands at its Istres facility in southern France. The company announced the move on Friday, explaining that the technology could be used for a new generation of engines for short- and medium-range aircraft.

Phileas is a full-scale demonstrator that includes a pair of electric motors mounted on the powertrain’s high- and low-pressure shafts, which can directly drive the engine or serve as power generators. It also incorporates onboard power electronics and an electrical power distribution system.

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