Tarbes, France, December 10, 2024 – EcoPulse, a special airplane made by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, has finished its important test flights. These tests will help create cleaner, more eco-friendly airplanes by 2050.
What Is EcoPulse?
EcoPulse is a special plane that uses both a regular engine and an electric battery. It has six electric propellers on its wings, a gas-powered generator, and a high-tech power system.
The gas-powered generator makes electricity for the propellers, while the battery stores extra power. If one system fails, the other can keep the plane flying, making it safer.
The project is supported by France and the European Union. Thanks to these tests, Daher, Safran, and Airbus are closer to making greener airplanes a reality.
With EcoPulse’s success, the future of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient airplanes is looking bright.
What Were the Test Flights About?
EcoPulse first flew on November 29, 2023, from Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport. Over eight months, it flew for 100 hours in 50 test flights. The plane showed it could use strong electric power about 800 volts making it very powerful.
One cool thing they discovered is that the plane’s electric motors could make the cabin quieter by working together in sync. This system, designed to help steer the plane, also made flying more comfortable for passengers.
The tests helped engineers understand how the electric engines and batteries work together. They learned how to manage power safely, which is key to making future airplanes run on cleaner energy.
Challenges They Faced
The team learned a lot, but there were some tricky problems to solve:
- Making better electric airplane engines: They need engines that are light but powerful.
- Creating longer-lasting batteries: Airplanes need batteries that can store more energy for longer flights.
- Helping pilots fly electric planes safely: Pilots need new tools and systems to control electric-powered planes.
- Meeting government safety rules: Every new type of airplane must follow strict safety rules.
- Reducing the plane’s weight and noise: Lighter planes use less energy, and quieter planes make flying more comfortable.
- Teaching engineers how to manage these new systems: Electric planes have complex parts that require special skills to build and maintain.
These tests were important steps toward making electric planes safe and ready for passengers. The team is now closer to solving these challenges, bringing eco-friendly aviation closer to reality.
Working Together for a Greener Future
The EcoPulse project showed how well Daher, Safran, and Airbus could work as a team. They combined their knowledge to build and test the unique airplane.
“We are very happy with EcoPulse’s success,” said Eric Dalbiès from Safran. “We can now keep working on cleaner airplane technology.”
Pascal Laguerre from Daher added, “EcoPulse helped us solve tough problems and move closer to making low-carbon airplanes.”
Jean-Baptiste Manchette from Airbus said, “We learned a lot about using electric power for future planes. EcoPulse helped us design the next generation of aircraft.”
The project also helped create new airplane technology that can be used in helicopters and air taxis. This could change the way people travel in the future, making flying more eco-friendly.
