VoltAero this week displayed the first prototype of the Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft at the Paris Air Show.
Cassio No.1 will be powered by a Kawasaki thermal engine derived from the Japanese company's motorcycle engines.
"Today marks a true milestone for electric aviation, as VoltAero delivers on its promise to take an all-new approach for quiet, efficient and eco-friendly transportation that is based on a hybrid design combining thermal and electric propulsion for maximum flight safety,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technical Officer.
“I want to thank my VoltAero team for its dedication and tireless work in reaching this historic moment, as well as express my appreciation to our suppliers and partners for their commitment to Cassio.”
The prototype is expected to fly for the first time later this year, with the second prototype running the full hybrid propulsion system, which will involve the 165 kW Kawasaki engine and a 180- kW Safran ENGINeUS electric motor.
Due to fly in the second quarter of 2024, Cassio No.2 will be used for certification testing, and will include a specially-designed, full-definition avionics suite from Avidyne, integrating a glass cockpit with new-generation Quantum 14-inch displays for single pilot operation.
The Cassio 330 will seat 4-5 people, but VoltAero has plans for a six-seat Cassio 480, which will use only a Kawasaki six-cylinder themal engine.
A 10-12-seat Cassio 600 is also in the company's future plans.