Volocopter has expanded its partnership with Safran advancing on the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) for developing a next generation power train for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The agreement covers the exploration of commercial and engineering partnerships, specifically around the entire electric powertrain ranging from the electrical propulsion system (EPS), battery units, and power distribution system to wider engineering services.
Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive, Safran, commented: “Volocopter is pioneering Urban Air Mobility. With a feasible design and a clear ambition to start operations as soon as next summer in Paris, we would be proud to partner with them for their future development in this highly promising new branch of the aviation industry. Safran has always kept up with the times and pushed innovation to decarbonize aviation.”
Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive, Volocopter, added: “The prospect of collaborating with Safran, a leader in powertrain development as part of our UAM-ecosystem is exciting on several levels. Optimizing battery density and improving EPS effectiveness is the biggest performance lever for lightweight aircraft like eVTOLs. And on a personal note, it’s a stellar example of French German industry collaboration to keep European technology innovation competitive on a global level.”