Hybrid-electric eVTOL developer Ascendance has selected Safran Electrical &amp; Power’s EngineUS electric motor to power its Atea prototype aircraft. Two EngineUS electric motors will provide more than 100 kW to drive Atea’s two horizontal and eight vertical electric motors.
EngineUS incorporates power and control electronics into the motor, with air providing cooling.&nbsp;
Ascendance has started ground testing at its facilities in Muret, France, where it is integrating the EngineUS into the Atea hybrid-electric propulsion system. The company will also validate the performance of the Safran motor system and test integration of new technologies at the Muret facility.
“Safety is central to our program, particularly the first of our flight tests to be conducted with a pilot on board,” said Ascendance CEO Jean-Christophe Lambert. “This collaboration with Safran Electrical &amp; Power…is an opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise in performance and safety, as well as the performance of the EngineUS motors.”&nbsp;
“This announcement, which comes after <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-02-04/easa-certifies-safrans-125-kilowatt-engineus-100-electric">EASA certification</a> of our EngineUS motor…is a result of several months of technical collaboration between our two companies in the Occitanie French region,” said Agnès Pronost Gilles, executive v-p and general manager of the Power Division of Safran Electrical &amp; Power.

Ascendance's eVTOL aircraft will be powered by two Safran EngineUS hybrid-electric propulsion systems.

Atea Prototype To Be Powered by Safran EngineUS Powerplant

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