Safran’s Turbogenerator Will Propel Electra’s Hybrid EL9

TG600 helicopter engine will be the ‘heart’ of the aircraft’s hybrid propulsion system.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Electra aims to certify the nine-passenger EL9 in 2030. [Credit: Electra]

Key Takeaways:

Electra has signed a "life-of-program" agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for the production of TG600 turbogenerators, which will power its flagship EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft, placing an initial order for 250 units.
The nine-passenger EL9 is designed for groundbreaking ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) capabilities, requiring only a 150-foot ground roll, leveraging Safran's TG600 as the core of its hybrid-electric propulsion system.
Expected to debut in 2027-2028 and enter service by 2030, the EL9 aims to revolutionize regional air travel by utilizing small "access points" away from traditional airports, with Electra claiming approximately 2,200 provisional orders.

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Hybrid-electric aircraft developer Electra on Wednesday announced a “life-of-program” agreement covering the production of turbogenerators for its flagship EL9 Ultra Short.

The EL9, designed for operations with only a 150-foot ground roll, will be powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ TG600, which is built around the latter’s Arrano gas turboshaft engine. Electra said it placed an initial order for 250 turbogenerators.