French engine maker Safran confirmed on July 15, 2026, that it will power Electra’s future EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (ultra-STOL) hybrid aircraft.
In 2023, Electra sign an agreement with Safran Helicopters to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for the EL9, a nine-seater aircraft which will be able to land and takeoff from runways as short as 150 feet (45 meters).
The new hybrid-electric propulsion system will be based on the Safran Arrano, a proven and in-service helicopter engine which currently powers the Airbus Helicopters H160. The engine maker claims it consumes 18% less fuel than comparable engines.
The result of the collaboration between Safran and Electra is the TG600, a 600-kW turbogenerator which couples two 300 kW GENeUS electric generators (certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in February 2025) with a Safran Arrano thermal engine.
As part of this agreement, Electra has also placed an order for 250 TG600 units. The contract follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023
“This agreement is a defining step forward for Electra and for the future of advanced air mobility,” Marc Allen, CEO of Electra, said. “With this announcement, Safran is cementing its position as a leader in the next era of aviation. Their technical leadership in hybrid-electric, innovative spirit, and long-term partnership are critical as we bring the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft to market and unlock a new model of direct flight.”
In July 2026, 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.
“The signing of this contract marks a major milestone in our collaboration with Electra and signifies the official launch of our turbogenerator activities, a promising new chapter that complements our leadership in turboshaft technology,” Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, said.
He added: “We believe we have the most advanced and efficient hybrid-electric product in its class, a perfect fit for the EL9 to achieve revolutionary capabilities in new air mobility.”