FutureFlight
Safran Turbogenerator To Power Electra's Full-scale HeSTOL Prototype
Electra has selected a 600-kilowatt turbogenerator from Safran to provide electrical power for its HeSTOL prototype that is expected to fly in 2025.
Safran turbogenerator
Safran Helicopter Engines is supplying a 600-kW turbogenerator for Electra's nine-passenger hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing prototype, which is expected to fly in 2025. (Photo: Safran Helicopter Engines)

Safran Helicopter Engines will develop the 600-kilowatt turbogenerator propulsion system for the prototype of Electra.aero’s nine-passenger, hybrid-electric short-takeoff-and-landing (HeSTOL) aircraft, the companies revealed this week at the 2023 Paris Airshow.

Earlier this month, Electra rolled out a two-seat technology demonstrator vehicle, which uses blown lift via distributed electric propulsion. It plans to be ready to fly the full-scale prototype in 2025 as it advances toward FAA Part 23 certification in 2028.

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