FutureFlight
Safran to Power Diamond's Electric DA40 Light Aircraft
The French aircraft engine manufacturer is increasing its involvement in the burgeoning electric aviation sector by supplying its EngineUs family of motors to multiple aircraft manufacturers.
Diamond Aircraft's eDA40 electric-powered light aircraft.
Safran is providing the electric propulsion system for Diamond Aircraft's new eDA40 light aircraft. (Image: Diamond Aircraft)

Diamond Aircraft, which announced plans to build an electric-powered DA40 composite airplane last October, has signed an agreement with Safran Electrical & Power to provide the electric motor system for the eDA40.

“We still have to do a lot of evaluation and development,” said Diamond CEO Frank Zhang at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show in Germany. He anticipates the first flight by the end of 2022 and basic EASA certification by the end of 2023 or early 2024.