Hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft developer Ascendance has selected Safran Electrical & Power’s EngineUS electric motor to power its Atea prototype. A pair of EngineUS electric motors will provide more than 100 kilowatts to drive Atea’s two horizontal propellers during cruise flight as part of the French start-up's Sterna propulsion architecture, which also includes eight ducted fans for vertical flight.

Ascendance has started ground testing at its facilities in Muret, France, where it is integrating the EngineUS into the Atea hybrid-electric propulsion system. The company will also validate the performance of the Safran motor system and test integration of new technologies at the Muret facility as it works towards a first flight for the Atea in 2026 and type certification in 2029.

“Safety is central to our program, particularly the first of our flight tests to be conducted with a pilot on board,” said Ascendance CEO Jean-Christophe Lambert. “This collaboration with Safran Electrical & Power…is an opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise in performance and safety, as well as the performance of the EngineUS motors.” 

Safran's EngineUS motors incorporates power and control electronics, as well as air providing cooling. The family of motors have been selected by other new aircraft developers including VoltAero, Aura Aero, Electra Aero, Diamond Aircraft, Bye Aerospace and TCab Tech.

“This announcement, which comes after EASA certification of our EngineUS motor…is a result of several months of technical collaboration between our two companies in the Occitanie French region,” said Agnès Pronost Gilles, executive v-p and general manager of the Power Division of Safran Electrical & Power.

The Atea will carry a pilot and four passengers on flights of almost 220 nm and with a cruise speed of 109 knots. With a payload of around 990 pounds, Ascendance said the aircraft will generate 75% less noise and 80% fewer carbon emissions than current helicopters.