Ascendance selects electric motors for ATEA prototype

ATEA’s hybrid-electric propulsion system will integrate Safran’s EASA-certified ENGINeUS motors, with ground testing already underway in southern France.

Ascendance has chosen Safran Electrical & Power’s ENGINeUS electric motors for its ATEA flying prototype. The EASA-certified motors will provide horizontal propulsion, each delivering over 100kW of power. ATEA features a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system with eight vertical electric motors and two horizontal ones, designed as a low-carbon alternative to traditional helicopters.

The prototype is currently in production and ground tests are taking place in Muret, south of Toulouse, to validate the integration of ENGINeUS into ATEA’s propulsion system. The tests will assess the performance and safety of the aircraft, which will conduct piloted test flights.

Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance, says: “Safety is central to our program, particularly the first of our test flights to be conducted with a pilot on board.” He adds that working with Safran brings expertise in electric propulsion performance and safety.

Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Power Division at Safran Electrical & Power, says: “This announcement, which comes after the EASA certification of our ENGINeUS motor, consolidates our position as a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion.”

ATEA is part of the France 2030 recovery plan’s “Produce a low-carbon aircraft in France” program, which supports domestic aviation innovation.