The all-electric eDA40 has made its first flight at Diamond Aircraft's headquarters in Wiener Neustadt in Austria. It is expected to become the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, and is designed to be an electric circuit trainer powered by an ENGINeUS electric smart motor by Safran Electrical and Power and charged by Electric Power Systems' (EPS) battery module equipped with a DC fast charging system.

Piloted by Diamond's Head of Flight Test Sören Pedersen, the maiden flight covered system checks, all basic manoeuvers and initial performance evaluation. The flight went as scheduled and delivered all results requested, the company says.

“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,” says Liqun (Frank) 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,” adds Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power division of Safran Electrical and 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 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."