Diamond Aircraft Completes First Flight of Its Electric-Powered eDA40

The aircraft is powered by Safran Group’s ENGINeUS electric motor that uses a battery and direct-current, fast-charging system from Electric Power Systems. Sören Pedersen, Diamond’s head of flight testing, performed the flight, which included a range of maneuvers, systems checks, and other evaluations, the company said.

“We are extremely proud to announce another significant milestone for our all-electric eDA40. The aircraft performed outstandingly well during its maiden flight and not only met but exceeded all our expectations,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We are very much looking forward to [offering] an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

Bruno Bellanger, executive vice president and general manager of the power division of Safran Electrical & Power, noted that the flight marked the first time the company’s ENGINeUS electric motor and power system have flown on an all-electric aircraft.

“This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work. The eDA40 project ushers in a new era of electric propulsion that solves an immediate problem in both an economical and sustainable way,” said Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power Systems. “Through unwavering dedication and cutting-edge technology, we are showing the industry how electric propulsion can be implemented in aviation.”

The companies plan to make a broader public presentation of the eDA40 at the AERO Friedrichshafen show in 2024.