Babcock has signed an agreement with French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO to jointly offer next-gen electric training aircraft with aerobatic capability.
Announced at the Paris Air Show, the partnership covers technical, logistical, training, and support services.
The agreement combines AURA AERO’s work in electric aviation with Babcock’s experience in pilot training in dynamic and mission-critical contexts.
The collaboration will deliver an integrated solution based on AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL aircraft that will also support emission reduction efforts in aviation.
“Modern, sustainable and versatile, INTEGRAL is a family of aircraft that provides a perfect fit for the selection and the training of military pilots and their daily operations,” stated Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO.
Features
INTEGRAL is a training aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and digital systems that record flight data, enabling full replay and detailed post-flight analysis of pilot and aircraft performance.
The platform integrates a whole-aircraft emergency parachute system for enhanced pilot safety.
Three variants are available to meet different training requirements.
INTEGRAL R has a tailwheel setup and a 210-horsepower Lycoming engine for basic training and aerobatics.
INTEGRAL S features a nosewheel configuration with a 180-horsepower Lycoming engine, supporting aerobatic use.
INTEGRAL E is the all-electric model powered by Safran’s certified ENGINeUS electric motor, providing one hour of flight time and 30-minute rapid charging.
“By introducing the all-electric INTEGRAL E into their fleet, the armed forces can halve the operating costs for most missions, while beginning its transition towards decarbonization,” added Caussade.
