#Switzerland #Safran #H55 #Sion #Bristell

H55 Collaborates with Safran for Electric Propulsion in Aviation

In a significant advancement for the electric aviation sector, H55 has reached a partnership agreement with Safran Electrical & Power. This collaboration centers on integrating Safran's ENGINeUS electric motor into H55's innovative electric propulsion system, specifically designed for the fully electric Bristell B23 Energic aircraft. This milestone development highlights both companies' commitment to pioneering electric flight solutions, especially in the burgeoning market for environmentally friendly aviation technology.

The Goals of Collaboration

The overarching aim of this joint venture is to bring forth certified electric propulsion solutions tailored for general aviation, focusing on aircraft conforming to CS-23 / Part 23 Level 1 and 2 standards. Safran brings its EASA-certified ENGINeUS electric motor technology, while H55 lends its expertise in energy storage and propulsion integration. The combination of these technologies seeks to address the primary barrier to entry in electric aviation: certification. Recent achievements by both firms have seen them reach important certification milestones with EASA, allowing for a faster rollout of compliant electric propulsion solutions for the next generation of aircraft designed for 2-6 passengers.

The Bristell B23 Energic program is set to serve as the initial platform for certification in the light aviation sector. The aircraft is particularly aimed at the rapidly expanding electric pilot training market, driven by a growing demand for reduced operational costs and a push towards zero-emission flight operations.

Support Phases and Future Prospects

Safran will provide critical support during both the prototype phase and ongoing serial production phases starting from 2027, which will include dedicated in-service support for operators. Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Safran's Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power Division, expressed her enthusiasm: "We are pleased that H55 has chosen the ENGINeUS for its propulsion system on the Bristell B23 Energic. As the only certified electric motor in the aviation sector, ENGINeUS sets the standard for others, combining exceptional power-to-weight ratios with proven reliability. It’s crafted to cater to both all-electric and hybrid aircraft developments."

Rob Solomon, CEO of H55, highlighted the importance of their partnership in pioneering electric aviation technology. He remarked, "This alliance unites two forward-thinking companies that have tirelessly worked on certified electric aviation solutions for light aircraft. After eight years spent by H55 in establishing a thoroughly tested battery architecture, alongside Safran's delivery of the ENGINeUS, we are enabling a full electric propulsion system that represents a significant leap forward in scaling electric flight capabilities."

Transitioning to Zero-Emission Flight

The demand for environmentally friendly training solutions is evident, with flight schools across Europe and North America already working with the Bristell B23, which is certified under both EASA and FAA regulations. This aircraft is available in multiple engine configurations, ensuring that the integration of certified electric propulsion from H55 and Safran will enable operators to transition seamlessly to zero-emission flight training with minimal disruptions. As per Martin Bristela, CEO and Co-Founder of Bristell – BRM AERO, the framework is already in place with the same cockpit and support network, making the transition to a new powertrain straightforward and practical.

What This Means for the Future of Electric Aviation

H55, a Swiss-based company specializing in certified electric propulsion and energy storage solutions for the aviation sector, has positioned itself as a leader in the landscape of sustainable aviation. By transforming commercial lithium cells into aviation-safe energy storage systems, the firm has navigated the complexities of aviation regulations to create solutions approved by regulators and underwritten by insurers.

Emerging from the technological achievements of the Solar Impulse project, H55 has valuable experience in electric aviation, having designed and flown numerous electric aircraft over 2,000 hours without battery-related incidents. With a qualified leadership team adept in both technology scaling and operational execution, H55 is paving the way for a smoother transition to electric flight.

On the other hand, Safran, a global high-tech group operating in aviation and defense, focuses on enhancing air transport to be more environmentally friendly and accessible, showcasing its leadership through innovation and a workforce exceeding 110,000 employees.

This partnership signals a transformative phase for the electric aviation ecosystem, indicating more robust collaboration between entities aimed at delivering cleaner, more sustainable flying solutions.