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The EcoPulse™ distributed propulsion hybrid aircraft demonstrator which is being developed by Daher, Safran and Airbus with the support of France’s CORAC civil aviation research council has successfully passed its Preliminary Design Review as a first key step toward validating the project’s feasibility and firming up the architecture for a first flight scheduled in 2022.
Incorporating a distributed propulsion configuration from Daher, Safran and Airbus, this shared hybrid aircraft project has the goal of helping to transform the aviation sector. EcoPulse™, which was unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show, is backed by the French government with a reaffirmation of support coming in the framework of France's recovery plan presented last June.
By laying the framework for light aircraft by the end of the decade, it will allow the development of technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of future commercial aircraft, thus contributing to the air transportation sector's decarbonization objectives by 2050.
After more than one year of development based on a light aircraft platform supplied by Daher, the project has reached a key milestone with the successful completion of its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), which enabled the validation and freezing of the demonstrator's baseline configuration, as well as confirming the hybrid distributed propulsion system's level of safety and compatibility with the aircraft.
The project is now entering the assembly and integration phase at Daher, with systems supplied by Safran and Airbus.
Daher to begin the demonstrator's assembly in 2021
In carrying out its responsibilities for installing components and systems, flight testing, global analysis and airworthiness, Daher has adapted its demonstrator aircraft platform to ensure the integration and compatibility of a hybrid system with distributed propulsion at the necessary safety level.
The Preliminary Design Review's successful completion enables Daher to begin the demonstrator's assembly phase at its Tarbes, France site, where the initial components were designed and delivered. The start of final assembly is planned for late 2021, with the first flight scheduled to take place in 2022.
Pascal Laguerre, Daher's Chief Technology Officer, explained: "With this demonstrator, Daher intends to develop the key architectural principles for future hybrid aircraft. The project reaffirms our commitment, as a general aviation manufacturer with our Kodiak & TBM product lines, to more efficient and eco-responsible aviation. This is reflected by our company's active participation in numerous ambitious collaborative research projects aimed at decarbonizing air traffic."
Airbus wind tunnel testing of the electric motor, propeller and nacelle
Completion of the EcoPulse preliminary design review enables Airbus currently involved in the demonstrator aircraft's aerodynamic modeling to schedule the start of wind tunnel testing for propeller/nacelle assembly during the first quarter of 2021. The electric engine, supplied by Safran, will be tested as well. The results of these tests will enable the identification of the propeller's performance characteristics when associated with an electric engine, and validate the engine cooling process.
In addition to these wind tunnel tests, Airbus also is planning to simulate the nacelle's aerodynamic behavior.
"The EcoPulse demonstrator program, initiated by CORAC with the support of the French DGAC civil aviation agency, is an important step in our ambition to decarbonize the aeronautical industry. It will allow us to study how distributed hybrid propulsion could be integrated into the aircraft of tomorrow and significantly reduce their environmental impact," added Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Engineering, Airbus.
Daher (daher.com) is an aircraft manufacturer and an industry and service equipment supplier. Daher asserts its leadership in three main businesses: aircraft manufacturing, aerospace equipment and systems, logistics and supply chain services; and achieved a turnover of 1.2 billion euros in 2018. With the stability provided by its family ownership, Daher has been committed to innovation since its creation in 1863. Today, present in 13 countries, Daher is a leader in Industry 4.0, designing and developing value-added solutions for its industrial partners.
Safran (safran-group.com) is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 81,000 employees and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and Innovation roadmap.
Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Airbus (airbus.com) is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2019, it generated revenues of € 70 billion and employed a workforce of around 135,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world's leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
Contact us
Daher: Maïssa Berjaoui / Alice Abenin - Wellcom
P: +33(0)1 46 34 60 60 - E: daher[.]wellcom.fr.
Safran: Quitterie de BREBISSON / Isabelle JAVARY
P: +33(0)1 40 60 84 40 / +33(0)1 40 60 82 20
E: quitterie.de-brebisson[.]safrangroup.com / isabelle.javary[.]safrangroup.com.
Airbus: Matthieu DUVELLEROY
P: +33(0)6 29 43 15 64 - E: matthieu.duvelleroy[.]airbus.com.
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catherine.malek[.]safrangroup.com 
