The all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at the Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Austria. The flight marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer and its project partners towards certifying the aircraft. Diamond Aircraft expect the eDA40 to be the first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part23 certified electric aircraft.
The eDA40 is the manufacturer’s latest prototype take to the air after the DART-750 turboprop aerobatic trainer made its first aerial debut earlier in June this year.
The latest electric circuit trainer aircraft is based on the DA40 platform and will achieve a total flight time up to 90 minutes as the battery technology evolves. Direct operating costs (DOC) are expected to be 40% lower compared to traditional piston aircraft.
“We are extremely proud to announce another significant milestone for our all-electric eDA40. The aircraft performed outstandingly well during its maiden flight and not only met but exceeded all our expectations,” said Liqun Zhang, chief executive officer at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”
The eDA40 is equipped with an Safran Electrical & Power ENGINeUSTM electric smart motor. The motor is charged by Electric Power Systems’ (EPS) battery module that is equipped with a Direct Current (DC) fast charging system.
The battery module’s DC fast charging system is capable of recharging a depleted battery in under 20 minutes.
The eDA40 is ideal as a circuit training aircraft
“We are very excited to take part in the eDA40 first flight, along with Diamond Aircraft, as it is the first time our ENGINEUS electric motors, and the electrical protection system will fly on an all-electric aircraft,” said Bruno Bellanger, executive vice president & general manager of the Power division of Safran Electrical & Power.
“Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and a best seller, has been a thrilling technical challenge. We have recently obtained Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from EASA for our ENGINeUS 100 electric motor and are currently on the home stretch in obtaining their final certification. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonization strategy,” Bellanger adds.
Certification for the eDA40 is expected at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024.
