Safran Electrical & Power has been chosen by VoltAero to supply the electrical wiring on their clean sheet Cassio 330 electric-hybrid certification aircraft.
On Thursday (January 11, 2024), Safran announced that Safran Electrical & Power has been selected by VoltAero to supply the electrical wiring on their new clean-sheet Cassio 330 electric-hybrid certification aircraft. Under the contract, Safran will design and produce the electrical wiring for the propulsion and power distribution systems, in particular the high-voltage wiring on the Cassio 330, which is to be qualified for electrical voltage up to 800 volts in continuous operation. Additionally, Safran Electrical and Power will provide technical expertise in support of obtaining the safety of flight (SOF) validation, which is required for carrying out the Cassio 330’s certification flight tests.
In Thursday’s announcement, VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Jean Botti, said,
“The electrical wiring is a critical element of our Cassio aircraft, and we’ve selected Safran Electrical & Power based on the company’s expertise – particularly at high power levels. This marks another important step toward the Cassio 330’s certification and service entry.”
Also commenting on the new contract, Safran Electrical & Power’s General Manager and EVP – Interconnection Systems Eurasia Division, Serge Pons, said,
“We are very proud that VoltAero has renewed its trust by selecting us for the electrical wiring of its Cassio 330 certification aircraft. Safran Electrical & Power’s expertise is the result of many years of investment in research and development on high-power technology. Today, thanks to our technological building blocks for hybrid and 100% electric aircraft, we are actively contributing to the decarbonization of aviation.”
The contract builds on a partnership signed in 2020 involving the Cassio 330’s electric-hybrid propulsion system. Safran Electrical & Power will supply the propulsion system’s ENGINeUS 100 electric motor which delivers power of more than 150 kW at takeoff. The motor also integrates its own control electronics and an air cooling system, ensuring an optimal size-to-power ratio.
VoltAero’s Cassio hybrid-electric Family is being designed for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies and private owners, as well as in utility operations such as cargo, postal delivery and Medevac. Cassio aircraft will be produced in three versions, the Cassio 330 (5 seats), the Cassio 480 (six seats), and the Cassio 600 (10-12 seats). Cassio aircraft will offer all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flights under 150 km and landing. The hybrid feature, the internal combustion engine, operates as a range extender, recharging batteries in flight, and as a redundant safety feature in the event of a problem with the primary electric propulsion system.
Source: Safran