FutureFlight
VoltAero Selects Energy Storage System for Hybrid-Electric Cassio Aircraft
France-based VoltAero is developing a family of hybrid-electric aircraft called Cassio that could start entering service in 2023.
Electric Power Systems has developed the Epic power cell unit as a modular store for electric batteries.
The Electric Power Systems Epic system incorporates power cell technology that offers an energy density of more than 200 Wh/kg in its battery packs. (Image: Electric Power Systems)

Electric Power Systems is set to supply the first of its Epic energy storage systems for the prototype of VoltAero’s Cassio 330 hybrid-electric STOL aircraft. Under an agreement announced by the companies on January 27, the first unit will be delivered by the end of June to be integrated into the French start-up’s four-seat model, which will operate with a combined hybrid-electric power output of 330 kW.

The production versions of the Cassio will be powered by three of Safran’s 60-kW Engineus 45 electric motors and a 370-hp internal combustion engine, collectively driving a five-bladed pusher propeller. The first Cassio 330 model is due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023, and VoltAero is planning for production rates of up to 150 aircraft per year.

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