Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines have announced a life-of-programme production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft.
“The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030,” said the companies in a press release. “Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will become the heart of the EL9 Ultra Short’s hybrid-electric propulsion system. The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 and includes an initial order for 250 TG600 turbogenerators, allowing for production to scale with demand for the EL9.
Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft is designed using hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology, enabling the EL9 to take off and land in just 150 feet.
A turbogenerator consists of a gas turbine combined with one or more electric generators, as well as an innovative system of electrical power and voltage regulation. The TG600 turbogenerator, which will supply 600 kW of electricity, will be developed based on Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arrano engine that offers 18% reduction in fuel consumption over the previous generation of engines. The TG600 will also be equipped with two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power. In July, Safran Helicopter Engines carried out the first bench test, at its site in Bordes, of the first turbogenerator that will be flight-ready for the initial flight tests of the EL9.
Electra has submitted the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 23 type certification and anticipates a first flight scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.
For more information
https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/electra-and-safran-reach-development-and-production-agreement-tg600-turbogenerator-power-el9-hybrid-2026-07-15