Safran’s ATI-funded ENGINeUS 100 electric motor achieves certification first
World-first certification and preparations for UK production line highlights impact of ATI Programme investment in advanced technologies on the journey to Destination Zero.
Safran’s ENGINeUS™ 100 electric motor has become the first electric motor certified to power new air mobility following certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The milestone confirms the motor complies with the requirements of Special Condition SC E-19 and is the culmination of a 4-year process involving 1500 hours of motor certification tests. The ENGINeUS™ project has been supported by over £10.5m in ATI Programme investment advancing the technology alongside UK capability.
Two of four dedicated production lines will be at Safran Electrical & Power’s Pitstone site reflecting the UK’s key role in developing and manufacturing technologies for next generation aircraft.
 ATI Chief Technology Officer Jackie Castle addresses the audience at Safran’s ENGENeUS 100 certification event |
The ENGINeUS™ electrical motor and control system will have initial applications across smaller fully electric zero-emission aircraft including eVTOL and in future evolve to enable greater electrification of aircraft as well as gas turbine hybridisation. Advanced battery and electric technologies will help to deliver increased efficiency on next generation commercial aircraft reducing fuel burn and emissions.
Chief Technology Officer Jackie Castle said: “Achieving certification for the ENGINeUS™ 100 electric motor is a tremendous milestone for Safran Electrical & Power and its partners.
“With preparations for mass-production in Pitstone underway, this is another example of government-industry investment through the ATI Programme developing groundbreaking technology while advancing UK competitiveness.
“Congratulations to the Safran Electrical & Power team on this world-first achievement.”
In 2026, Safran will set up four dedicated lines to automate the various stages in the manufacture of these electric motors including two in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire underlining the return on ATI Programme investment as a driver for growth.
As Safran’s rotating machines center of excellence, Pitstone will be home to the rotor and stator lines, with Niort (France) responsible for production of power electronics and final motor assembly.
Discover more about ATI Programme impact here and see other projects advancing next generation technologies on our projects page.
Cover image copyright ©Anthony Guerra / Safran.