The all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer and all project partners and represents a major step forward in certifying the aircraft.
The eDA40, set to become the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, is purposefully designed to be an exceptional electric circuit trainer. It is powered by the innovative ENGINeUS™ electric smart motor, developed by Safran Electrical & Power, and charged by Electric Power Systems’ (EPS) battery module equipped with a Direct Current (DC) fast charging system.
Piloted by Diamond’s Head of Flight Test, Sören Pedersen, the maiden flight encompassed comprehensive system checks, fundamental maneuvers, and initial performance evaluation. The flight proceeded smoothly as planned, delivering all the desired results.
“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,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to offering an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”
Safran Electrical & Power's Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Power division, Bruno Bellanger, shared his excitement about participating in the eDA40's first flight: “This is the first time our ENGINEUS electric motors and electrical protection system will fly on an all-electric aircraft. Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and best-seller, has been a thrilling technical challenge. We have recently obtained Design Organisation Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for our ENGINeUS 100 electric motor and are currently on the home stretch to obtain its final certification. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonization strategy.”
Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power Systems, expressed his excitement as well, stating: “This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work. The eDA40 project ushers in a new era of electric propulsion that solves an immediate problem in both an economical and sustainable way. Through unwavering dedication and cutting-edge technology, we are showing the industry how electric propulsion can be implemented in aviation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary customer, dedicated employees, and passionate investors who have made this achievement possible. Their unwavering belief in our mission has fueled our determination to power a more sustainable future.”
The eDA40 is scheduled to be presented to the broader public at AERO Friedrichshafen in 2024, where aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals will have the opportunity to witness the groundbreaking aircraft firsthand."