AURA AERO, the French aircraft manufacturer, and Babcock France, part of defence company Babcock International Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to jointly offer and promote Integral, the new-generation training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, along with a complete packaged service.

Covering technical, logistical, training and support services, the strategic partnership, announced at Paris Air Show, aims to combine the expertise of AURA AERO – a pioneer in the decarbonization of aviation - with Babcock’s global experience of civilian and defence service support and pilot training in modern and high pressure operating environments.

This collaboration will deliver an integrated solution based on the Integral aircraft, while also creating opportunities to support the decarbonization of operations. David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock International Group, said: “Air Forces across the globe need the next generation of pilots to carry out increasingly demanding operations. We believe working collaboratively with AURA AERO can bring new and innovative solutions to military aviation capabilities.”

Integral is a highly advanced training aircraft, equipped with leading edge, onboard avionics and a unique digital platform allowing the replay of each flight and the access to all the flight data. This allows for a detailed debriefing of pilot and aircraft performance, an essential feature for training activities. Integral is also the only aircraft certified with a whole aircraft rescue parachute, placing safety right at the forefront of this platform.

The Integral family offers 3 models, addressing the different needs in pilot training: Integral R (training and aerobatics, tailwheel, 210 hp Lycoming engine); Integral S (training and aerobatics, nosewheel, 180 hp Lycoming engine) and Integral E (all-electric,Safran’s ENGINeUS electric motor ), first-ever electric aircraft motor to be certified, 1 hr autonomy and 30 min supercharge).

Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, is very enthusiastic about this collaboration: “We are confident that our collaboration with Babcock France will lead to an innovative response tailored to the needs of the armed forces. Modern, sustainable and versatile, Integral is a family of aircraft that provides a perfect fit for the selection and the training of military pilots and their daily operations. By introducing the all-electric Integral E into their fleet, the armed forces can halve the operating costs for most missions, while beginning its transition towards decarbonization”.

Babcock France is a long-standing service provider to the French Armed Forces with packaged aircraft services already being delivered to the French Air Force.