Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Safran Helicopter Engines will supply its TG600 turbogenerator as a key element in Electra’s in-development EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The 600-kilowatt generator, which is based on Safran’s Arrano turboshaft, will operate in conjunction with the Evolito electric motors that Electra selected last year.
The two companies held a ceremonial signing at the Farnborough Airshow to formalize the partnership, which builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding, with Electra agreeing to purchase an initial 250 examples of the TG600.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet noted the company’s years-long work exploring electric technologies and said, “The time has come to drive this to fruition and to start leveraging all we have built. This is a first launch in development with a serial product, a serial application, a serial airplane.”
Electra CEO Marc Allen added, “The partnership is the foundation on which we’re building.”
The turbogenerator combines a gas turbine with a pair of GENeUs electric generators made by Safran’s Electrical &amp; Power business unit. Earlier this month, Safran Helicopter Engines carried out its first bench test on the TG600 at its facility in Bordes, France. Goubet said after ground tests, flight testing will take place directly on the EL9 later in the decade.
On July 10, the FAA granted Electra the G-1 issue paper that establishes the certification basis for the nine-passenger aircraft as the company works toward completing Part 23 type certification by 2030. Electra applied for the issue paper seven months ago and has now established the regulatory foundation for technologies including the hybrid-electric propulsion system, its blown-lift wing for takeoffs and landings in just 150 feet, and fly-by-wire controls.
According to Electra, the EL9 will enable new air routes that could replace thousands of road journeys in markets including the U.S. The Virginia-based company’s recent Direct Aviation Market Outlook identified potential demand for between 12,000 and 16,000 aircraft in this regional air service sector over the next 10 years.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect the signing at the Farnborough International Airshow.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Safran Turbogenerator Will Power Electra’s Hybrid-electric EL9 Aircraft

Electra recently received FAA G-1 issue paper defining certification path

Safran Helicopter Engines will supply the TG600 turbogenerator that, with Evolito’s electric motors, will power Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short regional aircraft.

Safran Turbogenerator Will Power Electra Hybrid Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

In this article

Safran Helicopter Engines

More In Engines

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN