Maiden flight of the Diamond Aircraft eDA40

On 20 July 2023, all-electric eDA40 made its first flight at Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Wiener Neustadt. This marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer and all project partners and is a big step towards certifying the aircraft. The eDA40, which shall be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft, is designed to be an excellent electric circuit trainer powered by an ENGINeUSTM electric smart motor by Safran Electrical & Power and charged by Electric Power Systems’ battery module equipped with a Direct Current fast charging system. Piloted by Diamond’s Head of Flight Test Sören Pedersen the maiden flight covered system checks, all basic maneuvers and initial performance evaluation. The flight went as scheduled and delivering all results requested.

Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria, commented: “We are extremely proud to announce another significant milestone for our all-electric eDA40. The aircraft performed outstandingly well during its maiden flight and not only met but exceeded all our expectations. We are very much looking forward to offer an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow.”

Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Power division of Safran Electrical & Power, said: “We are very excited to take part in the eDA40 first flight, along with Diamond Aircraft, as it is the first time our ENGINEUS electric motors and the electrical protection system will fly on an all-electric aircraft. Participating in the electrification of the DA40, a proven aircraft and a best seller, has been a thrilling technical challenge. We have recently obtained Design Organisation Approval from EASA for our ENGINeUS 100 electric motor and are currently on the home stretch in obtaining their final certification. This state-of-the-art equipment is one of the essential building blocks in Safran’s decarbonization strategy.” 

Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power Systems stated : “This marks a historic milestone for both Diamond and EP Systems. The flight is the culmination of years of determination, innovation, and hard work. The eDA40 project ushers in a new era of electric propulsion that solves an immediate problem in both an economical and sustainable way. Through unwavering dedication and cutting-edge technology, we are showing the industry how electric propulsion can be implemented in aviation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary customer, dedicated employees, and passionate investors who have made this achievement possible. Their unwavering belief in our mission has fueled our determination to power a more sustainable future.”

The eDA40 is scheduled to be presented to the broader public at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024.