26 July 2023
Diamond Aircraft’s all-electric version of its DA40 Alpine Star, the eDA40, made its first flight on 20 July 2023, from the company’s HQ at Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
Diamond intends the eDA40 to be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, with its main use expected to be as a circuit trainer.
It’s powered by an ENGINeUS electric smart motor by Safran Electrical & Power and charged by a battery module from Electric Power Systems (EPS). It’s also equipped with a Direct Current (DC) fast charging system.
“We are extremely proud to announce another significant milestone for our all-electric eDA40,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Austria.
“The aircraft performed outstandingly well during its maiden flight and not only met but exceeded all our expectations. We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”
It was a first too for Safran. Bruno Bellanger of Safran Electrical & Power said, “It is the first time our ENGINeUS electric motors and the electrical protection system [have flown] on an all-electric aircraft. Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and a 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 in obtaining their final certification. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonisation strategy,”
Diamond Aircraft has confirmed it will show the eDA40 at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024.
