Safran and ESIGELEC advance electric thrust reverser research

The joint research ePRISME lab will test and simulate electric systems for thrust reversers and develop predictive maintenance tools for future commercial aircraft.

Safran Nacelles and ESIGELEC, through its IRSEEM research institute, have launched the ePRISME joint laboratory to support the development of the ETRAS (Electric Thrust Reverser Actuation System). The system, designed by Safran Nacelles and Safran Electronics and Defense, replaces hydraulic thrust reverser controls with a lighter and easier-to-maintain electric system.

The ePRISME lab will support the maturing of the ETRAS technology and includes two main areas of research. One will simulate and then test a representative production line with real equipment. The other will create a predictive maintenance platform to detect faults in the electric and actuation systems using algorithms and dedicated hardware.

The lab will run from late 2025 to 2029, with possible extension. It brings together around fifteen specialists: eight from ESIGELEC and IRSEEM, and seven from Safran Nacelles.

Fabienne Lacorre, Technical Director at Safran Nacelles, says: “We chose ESIGELEC and IRSEEM for the quality of their expertise in control-command, predictive maintenance, EMC and for their proven experience in a number of industrial sectors.”

Etienne Craye, General Director at ESIGELEC, adds: “ePRISME perfectly illustrates the will of our two institutions to share knowledge and expertise.”

The lab forms part of Safran’s broader commitment to accelerating the shift towards more electric aircraft, a key area of investment for the group.