Safran S.A. France

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Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible.

https://www.safran-group.com/

 

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Safran to lead Open Fan demonstration program with European partners under Clean Aviation OFELIA project​

April 27, 2023, Villaroche (France)


Safran Aircraft Engines is coordinating the demonstration of new Open Fan engine technologies within the frame of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking project OFELIA, which stands for Open Fan for Environmental Low Impact of Aviation. French engine manufacturer will be working with 26 industry European key partners, including Airbus, Avio Aero, GKN Aerospace, as well as research lab such as ONERA and academics from several countries across Europe. The OFELIA consortium is set to receive 100M€ in European funding from Clean Aviation.


OFELIA’s objective is to demonstrate the benefits of an open fan architecture in terms of efficiency to address the needs of future generation of Short & Medium Range (SMR) Aircraft around 2035, on the path towards industry target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Open Fan aims to save 20% of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s narrow body engines. Under Clean Aviation’s OFELIA initiative, Safran Aircraft Engines and its partners will mature a set of technologies to TRL 5 for low-pressure systems, high-pressure core and advanced systems including hybridization that will pave the way to ground and flight test demonstrations on an Airbus A380 powered with an Open Fan by the middle of this decade. The consortium also targets to ensure the full compatibility of this disruptive architecture with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and hydrogen.

“As a world-leading military and commercial engine manufacturer, our responsibility is to develop key technologies that will lead to a more sustainable aviation, said Michel Brioude, Executive Vice President, Engineering and R&T, Safran Aircraft Engines. The Open Fan architecture is the major innovation of our CFM RISE technology demonstration program with GE Aerospace and stands as a key driver to improve next generation engine’s efficiency. We are looking forward to partnering with European industry leaders to shape the future of a clean aviation.”


The OFELIA roadmap will encompass more than 20 tests at partners’ facilities. Safran Aircraft Engines, Avio Aero and GKN Aerospace will work together to design and manufacture components for the Open Fan engine Demonstrator. In the meantime, thanks to this unique collaboration between the program partners with labs and academics, OFELIA will address specific topics of the technology maturation plan for the Open Fan, such as whirl flutter, unducted FAN, propeller and vanes, high speed booster, high speed low pressure turbine aerodynamics, high power compact reduction gearbox, light weight engine components, combustor emissions, high pressure compressor aerodynamics, engine hybridization. In order to be ready for the second phase of Clean Aviation focused on flight tests, Airbus will prepare the preliminary dossier for the Aircraft Flying Test Demonstrator.

“The OFELIA project is part of Clean Aviation’s 20 daring projects that are researching innovative solutions to power the next generation of sustainable aircraft. Together with the European Union, European aviation has the power to lead the way towards a climate-neutral aviation system and set new global standards for safe, reliable, affordable and clean air transport”, said Axel Krein Executive Director of Clean Aviation.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-lead-open-fan-demonstration-program-european-partners-under-clean-aviation-ofelia-project-2023-04-26

 

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Safran validates Eco Mode helicopter hybrid propulsion concept​

Safran Helicopter Engines has validated its Eco Mode hybrid propulsion system during ground tests in Bordes, France, in preparation for upcoming flight tests on the Airbus Racer high-speed helicopter demonstrator. The hybrid electric propulsion mode was tested for the first time in a configuration similar to the one that will be used on the Racer.


Designed for twin-engine helicopters, Eco Mode places one engine on standby during cruise, while the other operates at a more energy-efficient power setting. This mode reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 15% and increases the helicopter’s range. The engine is automatically restored to full power by an innovative electric fast restart system, within just a few seconds, when needed for landing or during an emergency.

The Racer’s Eco Mode uses an Aneto-1A engine and the fast restart electrical system developed jointly with Aquitaine Electronique (AECE Group) and Safran Cabin (Ventilation Systems). This system combines an electronic engine control with a high-power-density electric motor, mechanically connected to the engine's high pressure section.


Eco Mode was developed as part of a research project funded by the French civil aviation authority (DGAC). The twin Aneto-1A engines, each rated at 2,500 shaft horsepower, will play a key role in the Racer's performance, particularly its ability to reach and maintain a long-range cruising speed of up to 400 km/h.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-validates-eco-mode-helicopter-hybrid-propulsion-concept-2023-06-19

 

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Safran to develop the landing gear system for Bell’s tiltrotor, the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft​

Safran Landing Systems is onboard Bell’s tiltrotor aircraft program, as part of the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) project.


According to the contract, Safran Landing Systems will design and develop the fully integrated landing system. These shared efforts will establish solid foundations to meet all future requirements.


The US Army announced selecting Bell at the end of 2022.


“We are very proud to officially announce today our participation in the program as members of the Team”, said François Bastin, CEO of Safran Landing Systems. “Safran is honored to be part of this project to develop a system based on the requirements of the US Army. Safran Landing Systems has been a committed partner to this program since 2018 and we greatly appreciate Bell’s trust in our ability to develop an innovative landing gear system that will enable the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft to perform critical missions.”

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-develop-landing-gear-system-bell-s-tiltrotor-us-army-s-future-long-range-assault-aircraft-2023-09-25

 

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EcoPulse aircraft demonstrator makes first hybrid-electric flight​

Tarbes, France – December 5, 2023 — EcoPulse, the hybrid-electric distributed propulsion aircraft demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran and Airbus to support aviation’s decarbonization roadmap, has successfully performed its first flight test in hybrid-electric mode. The demonstrator flew with its ePropellers activated, powered by a battery and a turbogenerator.


EcoPulse took off from Tarbes Airport on November 29, at 10:32 hrs CET for a test flight which lasted approximately 100 minutes. During the flight, the crew engaged the electric propellers and verified the proper functioning of the demonstrator's flight control computer, high-voltage battery pack, distributed electric propulsion and hybrid electric turbogenerator.


EcoPulse’s first hybrid flight is the culmination of several technical milestones, including extensive ground tests and 10 hours of flight tests of the aircraft with the electrical system inactive.


“We confirmed today that this disruptive propulsion system works in flight, which paves the way for more sustainable aviation,” said Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief Technology Officer. “The lessons learned from upcoming flight tests will feed into our technology roadmap and strengthen our position as leader in future all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsive systems.”


“This is a major milestone for our industry and we’re proud to have powered the EcoPulse demonstrator first flight with our new battery systems,” said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus. High-energy density batteries will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, whether for light aircraft, advanced air mobility or large hybrid-electric aircraft. Projects like EcoPulse are key to accelerating progress in electric and hybrid electric flight, and a cornerstone of our aim to decarbonize the aerospace industry as a whole.”


“The flight campaign will give Daher invaluable data on the effectiveness of the onboard technologies, including distributed propulsion, high-voltage batteries and hybrid-electric propulsion,” commented Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer at Daher. “We’re working to converge practical and significant know-how on design, certification and operation to shape our path toward more sustainable aircraft for the future.”


Unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show, EcoPulse is one of the major collaborative projects in Europe in the field of aviation decarbonization. It is supported by CORAC (the French Civil Aviation Research Council), and co-funded by DGAC (the French Civil Aviation Authority) through France Relance (the French government’s economy recovery plan) and NextGeneration EU. The demonstrator aims to evaluate the operational advantages of integrating hybrid-electric distributed propulsion, with specific emphasis on CO2 emissions and noise level reduction. This disruptive propulsion architecture enables a single independent electrical source to power several electric motors distributed throughout the aircraft.


Based on a Daher TBM aircraft platform, EcoPulse is equipped with six integrated electric thrusters or e-Propellers (supplied by Safran), distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates two power sources: a turbogenerator, i.e. an electric generator driven by a gas turbine (supplied by Safran), and a high-energy density battery pack (supplied by Airbus). At the heart of this architecture is a Power Distribution and Rectifier Unit (PDRU), responsible for protecting the high-voltage network and for distributing the available electrical power, as well as high-voltage power harnesses (both provided by Safran). The battery pack designed by Airbus is rated at 800 Volts DC and can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of power. The demonstrator also benefits from the aerodynamic and acoustic integration expertise of the European aircraft manufacturer. Airbus also developed the Flight Control Computer permitting aircraft maneuvers using the ePropellers, and synchrophasing to support future aircraft acoustic recommendations.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/ecopulse-aircraft-demonstrator-makes-first-hybrid-electric-flight-2023-12-05

 

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Safran and Egyptian Air Force sign MoU for EngineLife® services​

December 6, 2023, Cairo — At Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) 2023, Safran Aircraft Engines and the Egyptian Air Force announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the company’s new EngineLife® services solution. According to the terms of the agreement, this MoU will cover through-life support (TLS) for the M88 engines powering Egypt’s current fleet of 24 Rafale on a by-the-hour basis with guaranteed levels of availability.


Designed for armed forces operating the M88-powered Dassault Aviation Rafale, EngineLife® maximizes engine availability and reduces the cost of ownership through a set of services tailored to each customer. This includes the secondment of specialized personnel to support on-site mechanics and optimize maintenance operations; technical support by dedicated teams to optimize engine potential; and management of all logistics flows between Safran Aircraft Engines and the customer.


By sharing maintenance tasks between Safran Aircraft Engines and the user, this service offering will enable the Egyptian Air Force’s local on-base mechanics to benefit from the engine manufacturer’s experience in TLS, thereby strengthening their skills. It also allows M88 operators to optimize fleet availability and better control operating costs.


“We’re honored to sign this MoU with the Egyptian Air Force as part of the launch of our new EngineLife® offering,” said Christophe Bruneau, Vice President, Military Engines at Safran Aircraft Engines. “Egypt is a long-standing customer for Safran Aircraft Engines. In 2015, it was the first export customer to put its trust in the Rafale powered by our M88 engines. Following the successful service entry of the M88 with Egypt’s Rafale fleet, we’re now stepping up our support arrangements to ensure our customer has the highest levels of engine availability for its flight operations.”


“Safran Aircraft Engines has been a key partner supporting the Egyptian Air Force’s success for many years,” said Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad. “We’re delighted to be strengthening our long-term partnership with the company through this MoU and look forward to seeing the benefits of EngineLife® for our fleet availability.”

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-and-egyptian-air-force-sign-mou-enginelifer-services-2023-12-06

 

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Safran strengthens its strategic partnership with Morocco​

Framework agreement with the Moroccan government for development of the country’s aerospace ecosystem
The Moroccan government and Safran today signed a framework agreement outlining a mutual commitment to support and develop Morocco’s aerospace industry ecosystem.


Signed in the presence of Mr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Mr. Taoufiq Moucharraf, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Mr. Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, this agreement is based on three guiding principles:

• Development of a high-quality local supply chain, in particular by identifying local Safran suppliers and service providers and supporting the expansion of their production capacities.

• Development of high value-added activities by strengthening research and technology activities and new engineering services.

• Development of talent and skills by strengthening training and partnerships with engineering schools and universities.

At the ceremony, Mr. Miraoui said: “I welcome the commitment shown by Safran, Morocco’s long-standing partner in the aerospace sector, to help develop our country’s aerospace sector and create joint units in partnership with local universities in the fields of R&D, engineering, testing and simulation.”


Mr. Taoufiq Moucharraf said: “The signing of this agreement today confirms the competitiveness of our country’s aerospace ecosystem and reflects the confidence of the world’s leading companies in this sector, such as Safran in Morocco. This partnership opens new prospects for collaborating and developing new cutting-edge technology practices. With an integration rate of over 40% and the many opportunities offered by the sector, we aspire to go even further with more production activities, new engineering services and the development of local skills in Morocco.”


Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, added: “Sharing the same vision for the future of aerospace, Safran and the Moroccan government are writing a new chapter in their strategic collaboration. This framework agreement marks the continuation of a constructive partnership focused on the development of a robust aerospace industry ecosystem in Morocco. More than ever, we’re jointly committed to a pragmatic approach that puts talent development, industrial efficiency, innovation and sustainability at the heart of our collaboration.”


Safran has been present in Morocco for 24 years and employs over 4,200 people in eight local companies and joint ventures. The Group leads Morocco’s aerospace sector and maintains close partnerships with local companies and the country’s government institutions and training centers. Safran’s Moroccan facilities are at the heart of the Group’s global production network.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-strengthens-its-strategic-partnership-morocco-2023-12-06

 

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Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace work together on the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine for the F35 military aircraft​

Fort Worth (Texas, USA), December 10, 2023


Safran Aero Boosters, based in Belgium's Walloon region, and the Flemish company BMT Aerospace will partner under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Safran Aero Boosters signed with Pratt & Whitney on December 10, 2023. The signing took place at Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the F35 aircraft, in Texas (USA), during the roll-out ceremony for the first Belgian F35, and was attended by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and a large Belgian delegation.


This MoU covers a Research and Technology project to produce engine structural parts using innovative processes. Industrial tools and expected commercial returns will be shared between Flanders and Wallonia.


Safran Aero Boosters has also signed a second MoU with Pratt & Whitney to develop a new manufacturing technology applicable to a family of components for the F135 engine, which will result in the setting up of a dedicated production line near Liège in Belgium.

I'd like to thank the Ministry of Defense and the Walloon government for their ongoing support in building these long-term agreements with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. We hope to bring to fruition these projects to obtain this billion-euro business in Belgium, with the resulting jobs and technological advances.François Lepot, CEO of Safran Aero Boosters

This project, for which we are partnering with Safran Aero Boosters, represents a substantial volume of industrial return for Belgium's purchase of the F35: we're talking about 700 million euros in business over the life of this highly promising program.Benoit Reynders, CEO of BMT Aerospace

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-aero-boosters-and-bmt-aerospace-work-together-pratt-whitney-f135-engine-f35-military-aircraft-2023-12-10

 

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Turbotech and Safran test first hydrogen turboprop for light aircraft​

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- Turbotech and Safran have successfully tested the first hydrogen-fueled gas turbine engine for the light aviation market.


- The tests at ArianeGroup’s facility in Vernon, France, are part of the BeautHyFuel project to explore hydrogen propulsion solutions for light airplanes. BeautHyFuel is supported by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) as part of France’s post-Covid stimulus program and is led by Turbotech and Elixir Aircraft in partnership with Safran, Air Liquide and Daher.


- The project leverages ArianeGroup’s decades-long experience with hydrogen propulsion for the Ariane rocket.

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On January 11, Turbotech and Safran successfully completed the first test of a hydrogen-fueled aero gas turbine engine with ultra-high performance regenerative cycle. The test was made possible by ArianeGroup’s resources and decades of expertise in preparing and performing tests with hydrogen fuels for space applications at its Vernon test facility in France.


This initial trial was carried out using hydrogen fuel stored in gaseous form. In a second phase later this year, the engine will be coupled to a cryogenic liquid storage system developed by Air Liquide to demonstrate the end-to-end integration of a propulsion system replicating all functions on a complete aircraft.


“This first experiment carried out using a Turbotech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop engine shows we can convert previously proven internal combustion technologies to create a working zero-carbon solution for general aviation,” said Damien Fauvet, CEO of Turbotech. “As we move to liquid hydrogen fuel, the aim is to offer a high energy-density propulsion system with real commercial applications. Our solution will be readily retrofittable on light airplanes and could have potential in other market segments.”


“This first stage of the project has already gone beyond our expectations,” said Pierre-Alain Lambert, VP Hydrogen Programs for Safran. “Our objective was to validate the behavior of the engine and fuel control system at all phases, from engine start to full throttle, as well as strategies in the event of a failure. For Safran, this kind of small-scale investigation is really valuable, because we can learn quickly and nimbly. It complements our other, larger-scale initiatives aimed at removing the barriers to hydrogen propulsion for air transport, such as our technology demonstration in partnership with CFM International[1] as part of Airbus’s ZEROe program, supported by Clean Aviation. ArianeGroup’s expertise in hydrogen testing was decisive in the timely success of this crucial first step.”


Turbotech, Elixir Aviation, Safran, Air Liquide and Daher formed the BeautHyFuel joint research project in June 2022 to design and ground test a hydrogen propulsion system rated for light aviation and develop a methodology so it can be certified for retrofit. BeautHyFuel benefits from the unique combination of Turbotech’s ultra-efficient light turbine technologies, Safran’s expertise as an aeroengine manufacturer and fuel system designer, Air Liquide’s cryogenic hydrogen storage technologies for aerospace, Elixir’s role as a manufacturer of innovative fourth-generation light planes, and Daher’s experience in aircraft development, certification, production and maintenance.


The BeautHyFuel project is supported by the French government and DGAC through France’s post-pandemic stimulus program. It complements other initiatives by Safran to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of air transport.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/turbotech-and-safran-test-first-hydrogen-turboprop-light-aircraft-2024-01-29

 

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Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran to develop two new sights for the renovated Leclerc tank​

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• Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran Electronics & Defense have been notified by the French MOD’s procurement and technology agency (DGA) of a contract for the modernization of the sights of the renovated Leclerc tank (Leclerc XLR).

• The "observation" function of the Leclerc XLR will be brought to the latest standard, notably thanks to the PASEO sight, to meet the most severe requirements of the modern battlefield.

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The strengthening an essential capability of the Leclerc tank

The temporary company grouping (GME) comprising Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran Electronics & Defense has been notified by the DGA of a contract for the development and integration of the new sights for the tank commander and gunner. These sights are the two main observation and engagement systems of the Leclerc tank, allowing the crew to detect, identify, and target an object several kilometres away before engaging it. These sights benefit from the latest optronic and inertial technologies, drawing on over 30 years of expertise from Safran Electronics & Defense and the global references of the PASEO sight.


New digital sights

Following technical negotiations with the DGA teams, Nexter and Safran Electronics & Defense are strengthening the "observation" function in light of the new threats on the battlefield. The optronic core of the Leclerc tank's weapon system is digitized to increase the data flow and provide high-quality images in all conditions. The analogue video system of the Leclerc tank is replaced by a digital video system. The gunner's sight is modernized with latest-generation optronic sensors and new electronics. Meanwhile, the commander's sight is replaced by a latest-generation PASEO sight designed for panoramic observation and engagement in all conditions. The PASEO family already provides the same functions on the armoured vehicle JAGUAR. For the commander's scope, OPT-Sys, a company of KNDS, provides the digital monocular that serves as the interface between the tank commander and the PASEO sight.


An enhancement for the Leclerc XLR

Equipped with SCORPION vetronics, reinforced protection, a new remotely operated turret, and these latest-generation sights, the Leclerc XLR will be able to face all threats until their successors enter service. These Leclerc XLR have been in production since the beginning of 2023, and all of these tanks will be delivered with their modernized sights by 2035.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/nexter-company-knds-and-safran-develop-two-new-sights-renovated-leclerc-tank-2024-02-08

 

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Safran Aircraft Engines and Qatar Armed Forces sign support agreement for M88 engines​

March 7, 2024, Doha (Qatar) — At Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), Safran Aircraft Engines and the Qatar Armed Forces signed a Services Agreement to support M88 engines powering Qatar’s current fleet of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft.


This Services Agreement provides the Qatar Armed Forces with a wide range of services, from spares, repairs and overhauls to detailed technical on-site support, optimizing maintenance operations with the customer.


“Safran Aircraft Engines has been a key partner supporting the Qatar Armed Forces successful operations for more than 4 decades,” confirmed Brig. (Air) KHALID SAED AL HAMAD Commander, Air Support & Logistics Command of the Qatar Armed Forces. “We are delighted to strengthening our long-term partnership with the company through this agreement and we look forward to seeing the benefits brought by Safran Aircraft Engines for our flight operations support.”


“We are honored to sign this Agreement with the Qatar Armed Forces, which strengthens Safran Aircraft Engines’ world-class support,” said Christophe BRUNEAU, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Military engines division at Safran Aircraft Engines. “We have a long-standing and trusted relationship with Qatar Armed Forces. Following the successful entry into service of the M88 with the Qatar Armed Forces’ Rafale fleet, we’re now stepping up our support arrangements to pace their increasing use of M88 engines.”


The Qatar Armed Forces has been operating M53-powered Mirage 2000 jet fighter for more than 25 years. It also operated Mirage F1 aircraft powered by the ATAR 9K engine as well as Alphajet trainer/light attack aircraft equipped with Larzac engines. In 2015, Qatar Armed Forces was the second export Customer of the Rafale powered by Safran’s M88 engines.

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-aircraft-engines-and-qatar-armed-forces-sign-support-agreement-m88-engines-2024-03-04