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 finalized a "life-of-program" agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for the TG600 turbogenerator, a critical component for its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft.
The 9-passenger EL9 is designed for revolutionary eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) capabilities, requiring only a 150-foot ground roll to enable air travel from non-traditional urban and rural locations.
Safran's TG600 turbogenerator, with an initial order of 250 units, forms the heart of the EL9's hybrid-electric propulsion system, marking the official launch of Safran's turbogenerator business.
Electra aims for the EL9 to achieve certification and enter service by 2030, with approximately 2,200 provisional orders underscoring its potential to transform regional air mobility.

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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.