France’s ATEA hybrid electric plane ‘gives wings’ to the future of green aviation

Many firms are developing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, but Ascendance (France) stands out with their groundbreaking ATEA hybrid-electric aircraft.

ATEA hybrid electric aircraft, VTOL carrying four passengers, 400km flying range, 400kg cargo, and 80% pollution reduction due to the Sterna hybrid electric propulsion system.

ATEA hybrid electric aircraft

Sterna combines batteries (takeoff and landing) with Jet-A1, SAF, or hydrogen combustion engines (cruise). The ATEA hybrid electric airplane has eight vertical electric motors (wings) and two horizontal electric motors (front and back). The propellers remain in the same position, making maintenance and certification easy.

The batteries can be charged on the ground or in the air (method not specified), converting the ATEA hybrid electric aircraft into a plug-in hybrid VTOL.

The ATEA hybrid electric aircraft is the first aircraft that uses ENGINeUS

Ascendance is developing a demonstrator aircraft outfitted with ENGINeUS electric motors (Safran, France) rated at 134 horsepower per motor.

ENGINeUS, the first EASA-certified aircraft electric motor, with integrated control electronics and an enhanced cooling system. The air-cooled engine, rated at 168 horsepower, is appropriate for small VTOLs up to 150-seat commercial aircraft.

The ATEA hybrid-electric aircraft is the first to use ENGINeUS, but Safran has numerous additional customers (Aura Aero, Bye Aerospace, etc.). Safran is confident of producing 1,000 engines per year in France and the United Kingdom. Ascendance is testing on the ground and incorporating the technology (Safran engines) into the design.

The ATEA hybrid electric aircraft has multiple applications, including passenger, medical, freight, and surveillance (military, law enforcement).

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