French companies collaborate on hybrid-electric propulsion for GA

A French aerospace consortium has launched a collaborative research project to develop hybrid-electric propulsion for general aviation.

The consortium, which includes Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace, and Ascendance, targets aircraft with six to 10 seats.

The project is named TAGINE, the French acronym for: “Tentative dans l’Aviation Générale d’Introduction de Nouvelles Énergies,” which translates as: “Initiative to introduce clean energy in general aviation.”

Supported financially by the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and the Civil Aeronautics Research Council (CORAC), the project aims to assess the technical feasibility, economic viability, and decarbonization potential of hybrid-electric propulsion architecture, using one of Daher’s Kodiak airplanes.

According to officials, the project leverages the four partners’ complementary expertise:

• As the project leader, Daher brings its know-how as an aircraft architect (systems and structures) and its range of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) capabilities, including safety, integration, and aircraft energy efficiency (CO₂ footprint). Daher also is providing its Kodiak aircraft for the hybrid-electric initiative.
• Safran, through Safran Helicopter Engines and Safran Tech, is studying the feasibility of a hybrid propulsion system based on a next-generation turbine and electric motor. This system will combine electric and thermal power to drive the propeller.
• Collins Aerospace is leading the aeroacoustic optimization studies for the propeller and contributing to the integration of the propulsion system and propeller. The company also is designing a fully electric pitch change system tailored to propellers in this power class. These activities aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce the propeller system’s overall mass.
• Ascendance contributes its expertise in hybridization and energy optimization by leveraging the company’s Hybrid Operating System to manage and control energy in a hybrid propulsion system. Ascendance also is responsible for identifying battery energy requirements for the applications studied in the project, and for integrating these batteries for hybrid-electric aircraft applications.

The first environmental impact assessment results are expected by the end of 2025, and the project’s milestones will be presented at the next Paris Air Show.

For more information: Daher.com, Safran-Group.com, CollinsAerospace.com, Ascendance-ft.com