Maiden flight for Austrian electric training aircraft

Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft has completed the maiden flight of its all-electric eDA40 training aircraft at the company’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt. According to the company, the successful first flight is a major step towards certification.

Sören Pedersen, Head of Flight Test at Diamond, was at the controls for the first flight, which took place in July. The flight included system checks, all basic manoeuvres and an initial performance evaluation. “The flight went as scheduled and delivering all results requested,” the company wrote.

The two-seat model is expected to become the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified DC fast-charging electric aircraft from late 2023 or early 2024 and will be presented to the public at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024. The eDA40 is powered by the Engineus 100 electric motor from French supplier Safran, which delivers a maximum take-off power of 130 kW. The battery system comes from Electric Power Systems (EPS).

“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 of Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

According to Bruno Bellanger, executive vice president and general manager of Safran Electrical & Power’s energy division, it was the first time Enginues engines and electrical protection systems had been used on a flight. “Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and a best seller, has been a thrilling technical challenge,” says Bellanger. Safran recently received Design Organisation Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the Enigneus 100.

In its final version, the eDA40 should be able to stay in the air for up to 90 minutes, with another flight possible after a 20-minute recharging process. According to the manufacturer, operating costs are to be reduced by up to 40 per cent compared to conventional piston aircraft.

diamondaircraft.com (press release), diamondaircraft.com (product site)