19 July 2022
Pilot training company CAE is working with Piper Aircraft to develop a electric propulsion conversion kit for in-service Piper Archer PA-28-181 aircraft.
CAE expects to convert two-thirds of its Piper Archer training fleet under a Supplemental Type Certificate and develop a curriculum for new pilots to train on the operation of electric aircraft.
Swiss company H55, which is already flying an electric Bristell aircraft, will provide the battery system and French giant Safran will supply the ENGINeUSTM 100 electric smart motor, whuch develops 150kW at max power for take-off.
“Piper Aircraft has been a longstanding trusted partner for CAE’s flight training operations, and we are very pleased to have them join us, along with other electric aviation leaders, in this leap forward for the sustainable future of aviation,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO.
“The development of this technology is a first for CAE. As one of the largest Piper Archer operators, CAE is uniquely positioned to make electric-powered flight a reality at our flight schools and beyond,” added Parent.
Piper Aircraft President and CEO, John Calcagno, said, “Piper Aircraft is excited to support CAE’s development of an electric aircraft modification conversion kit for the Piper Archer.
“With 28,000 aircraft in global service, the PA-28 is the ideal platform for real world flight training curriculums and professional pilot training programmes.”
Canada Quebec Aerospace Cluster
The development of the electric conversion kit is part of Project Resilience through which CAE is investing C$1 billion in innovation over five years in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec to develop aviation and cross-sectoral digital technologies of the future.
“Canada is leading the world when it comes to the innovation required for the low carbon economy, ” said the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
