French manufacturer Aura Aero this week conducted the maiden flight of its electric Integral E two-seat aeroplane.
The Integral E is a development of Aura's Integral range of two-seat aerobatic trainers, and is powered by a Safran ENGINeUS electric motor.
The maiden flight happened on 3 December from the company's headquarters at Toulouse-Franzacal Airport.
“It’s a very emotional day for all the Aura Aero teams," said Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of Aura Aero. "The first flight of Integral E is a huge step forward, not only because the Integral family is now complete, but also because this aircraft is one of the first to address, in an electric version, many of the needs expressed by training schools and flying clubs.
"We are very proud of what we have achieved in six years and of the commercial success of the Integral family. Decarbonization of aviation is now a reality!”
When it enters service in 2026, Aura expects the Integral E to have an endurance of 60 minutes, with a zero-to-full charging time of 30 minutes.
Founded in 2018, Aura Aero commercialises disruptive technologies for the aviation industry with a specific focus on zero-emissions flight.
"Conscious of the climate challenges that aviation is facing today and will face tomorrow, Aura Aero is committed to contribute to the objective of reducing emissions by 55% in 2035 and reaching carbon neutrality in 2050," the company says.
Aura is also developing a 19-seat Electric Regional Aircraft (ERA) using Lithium batteries that it expects to have in service sometime in 2028.