Dedicated “Circuit Trainer” Keeps Marching Towards Certification

The Austrians passed another milestone as they head onwards to certification for an all-electric trainer aircraft after completing the first successful test flight of the eDA-40.

The flight took place near the Austrian home of the company, getting plenty of time for scenic shots of the plane floating above placid farmscapes below. The aircraft “shall be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, is designed to be an excellent electric circuit trainer powered by an “ENGINeUS” electric smart motor by Safran Electrical & Power and charged by Electric Power Systems’ battery module equipped with a Direct Current fast charging system. Hopefully the ensemble will allow flight schools to operate a cheaper trainer aircraft for the often hours-intensive pattern work phase of flight training, saving money for operators while providing enough gumption to transition between standard DA-40’s and their electric siblings.

Diamond’s marketing is a bit unique compared to so many other would-be electric trainers, referring to the eDA-40 as a “circuit trainer” instead of a traditional GA aircraft. That choice should pay dividends going forward, helping customers establish realistic expectations surrounding their shiny new plane. It’s best used for pattern work, not for cross countries.

“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, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

“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 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (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.”

“This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work,” said Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power Systems. “The eDA40 project ushers in a new era of electric propulsion that solves an immediate problem in both an economical and sustainable way. Through unwavering dedication and cutting-edge technology, we are showing the industry how electric propulsion can be implemented in aviation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary customer, dedicated employees, and passionate investors who have made this achievement possible. Their unwavering belief in our mission has fueled our determination to power a more sustainable future.”

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com