#Switzerland #Safran #H55 #Sion #Bristell B23

H55 and Safran's Innovative Partnership

H55, a Swiss company specializing in electric aviation, has signed a significant agreement with Safran Electrical & Power. This collaboration involves integrating Safran’s award-winning ENGINeUS electric motor into the H55 electric propulsion system designed for the Bristell B23 Energic aircraft. Aimed at transforming the electric aviation landscape, this partnership combines years of expertise to create certified electric propulsion solutions tailored for general aviation.

Overview of the Agreement

The core objective of this collaboration is to develop and deliver certified electric propulsion systems that support aircraft falling under the CS-23 and Part 23 Level 1 and 2 categories. The pairing of H55’s capabilities in energy storage with Safran's advanced electric motor technology reflects a mutual commitment to accelerating the availability of certified electric propulsion solutions for the next generation of small aircraft, typically seating 2 to 6 passengers.

Recently, both companies achieved important milestones regarding EASA certification—the largest hurdle currently facing the electric aviation sector. By leveraging their combined expertise in electric systems, H55 and Safran aim to simplify and expedite the process to make electric-powered aircraft widely available in the coming years.

The Significance of Bristell B23 Energic

The Bristell B23 Energic project serves as the inaugural certification platform in the electric aviation domain and targets the expanding market for pilot training on electric aircraft. The increasing demand for lower operational costs and emission-free flying is propelling this educational segment, providing a unique opportunity for flight schools across Europe and North America to upgrade their fleets.

Agnès Pronost-Gilles, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power Division at Safran Electrical & Power, expressed excitement about the agreement, stating, “We are pleased that H55 has chosen ENGINeUS for the Bristell B23 Energic propulsion system. Being the only certified electric motor available in the aviation market today, ENGINeUS continues to set the standard, delivering exceptional performance-to-weight ratios along with proven reliability.”

Pioneering Electric Aviation Solutions

Rob Solomon, CEO of H55, remarked on the uniqueness of this partnership, emphasizing that the combination of certified energy storage and electric engine technology gives OEMs a comprehensive electric propulsion system that has previously been absent in the market. “This partnership draws together two innovators who have done the heavy lifting in the certified electric aviation sector for light aircraft. After eight years, H55 has developed a battery architecture that has successfully passed a module testing campaign overseen by EASA,” said Solomon.

Additionally, flight schools from Europe to North America have started to build their fleets around the Bristell B23, which is certified by both EASA and FAA. By adding certified electric propulsion systems from H55 and Safran, operators can transition to emission-free training with minimal disruption.

Support Through Production and Beyond

As part of the agreement, Safran will support both the prototype and series production phases beginning in 2027 while providing dedicated support during operational phases. This support structure is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for operators seeking to adopt electric flight technologies.

H55 is well-positioned to achieve this with a robust background in transforming commercial lithium cells into aviation-certified energy storage systems. The company has accumulated over 2,000 hours of accident-free electric flight operations, showcasing its operational experience in maintaining high safety standards.

Conclusion

The partnership between H55 and Safran represents a significant advancement in the field of electric aviation, paving the way for enhanced training opportunities and a new era of environmentally conscious flying. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, both companies are determined to redefine the future of general aviation. The electric revolution is not just on the horizon—it is actively taking flight today.