Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines have announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will serve as the core power source for Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The deal marks a major milestone in the development and certification of the groundbreaking aircraft, with entry into service projected for 2030. Under the terms of the agreement, which follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023, Electra has placed an initial order for 250 TG600 turbogenerators, enabling production to scale effectively with market demand.

The EL9 Ultra Short utilizes advanced hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology to achieve revolutionary short-field capabilities. The aircraft is designed to take off and land in just 150 feet, unlocking commercial air service from confined spaces closer to where people live, work and play. Electra frames this capability as the foundation of “Direct Aviation,” a new model of regional air travel designed to fill the mobility gap between driving and traditional commercial flights, allowing passengers to bypass congested airports and time-consuming connections. Electra’s market outlook estimates a demand for 12,000 to 16,000 aircraft within the first ten years of operations to support a nationwide fleet of regional shuttles.

At the heart of this operational capability is Safran’s TG600 turbogenerator, a system combining a high-efficiency gas turbine with an innovative electrical power and voltage regulation system. The unit will supply 600 kW of electricity and is developed based on Safran’s Arrano engine, which offers an 18% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous generation engines. The system features two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical and Power. Demonstrating rapid development progress, Safran Helicopter Engines successfully completed the first bench test of the flight-ready turbogenerator at its facility in Bordes, France earlier this month.

Marc Allen, CEO of Electra, noted that the agreement represents a defining step forward for advanced air mobility and highlights Safran’s technical leadership in the hybrid-electric sector. Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, expressed pride in the partnership, stating that the contract signifies the official launch of their turbogenerator activities and combines their engine expertise with the electrical systems know-how of Safran Electrical and Power.

Commercial momentum for the EL9 continues to build following a pre-delivery payment agreement announced earlier this year with Bristow Group Inc. featuring non-refundable deposits and binding terms aligned with commercial aviation standards to secure the first delivery slots. Electra has already submitted the EL9 to the Federal Aviation Administration for Part 23 type certification, with the first flight scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.