Newly In the Sky with Diamonds

On 20 July 2023, the all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt (Austria). The instance marked a milestone for the Sino/Austrian airframer and connoted the imminence of the aircraft’s certification.

The eDA40, which stands to be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, is powered by Safran Electrical & Power’s ENGINeUSTM electric smart motor, which is powered, in turn, by an Electric Power Systems (EPS) battery module featuring a Direct Current (DC) fast-charging system.

Piloted by Diamond’s head of flight-test Sören Pedersen, the eDA40’s maiden flight comprised system checks, basic flight-maneuvers, and an initial performance evaluation. The undertaking proceeded to plan and saw accomplished the entirety of the objectives set forth by Diamond’s engineering staff.

Diamond Aircraft Austria CEO Liqun (Frank) Zhang stated: “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. We are very much looking forward to offer [sic] an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

Safran Electrical & Power executive vice-president and general manager Bruno Bellanger set forth: “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. 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 Organization 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.”

Electric Power Systems CEO Nathan Millecam remarked: “This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work. 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 customers, 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.”

The eDA40 is scheduled to be presented to the broader public at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com