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 finalized a "life-of-program" agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for the production of TG600 turbogenerators, which will power its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft.
The nine-passenger EL9 is designed for revolutionary operations requiring only a 150-foot ground roll, utilizing the TG600 as the core of its propulsion system to enable new air travel from diverse, ultra-short access points.
Electra projects the EL9's first flight in 2027/28 and entry into service by 2030, backed by approximately 2,200 provisional orders, positioning it to address significant market demand for efficient regional air mobility.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.