Safran Aircraft Engines has initiated a ground testing campaign for the PHILEAS demonstrator at its facility in Istres, France. The program, supported by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), aims to advance the maturity of hybrid-electric technologies intended for next-generation aircraft engines.
This initiative forms one of three pillars in Safran’s decarbonization strategy, alongside the development of disruptive engine architectures like the Open Fan and the use of sustainable aviation fuels.
The PHILEAS demonstrator is a full-scale engine equipped with two electric machines designed for short- and medium-range aircraft. These machines are installed on the high-pressure and low-pressure shafts and can function as either electric motors or power generators. The system also includes onboard power electronics and an electrical power distribution network.
The primary goal is to validate the physical and functional integration of these components under conditions that mirror real-world operations.
The testing campaign is scheduled to last approximately six months, involving nearly 300 hours of operation. Tests will be conducted on an open-air test stand to evaluate power extraction and injection across various engine operating conditions and flight phases. The program includes advanced power management scenarios, such as balancing power between shafts, transferring power between them, and managing exchanges between the engine and the aircraft.
These efforts aim to maximize electrical power availability for aircraft systems while optimizing overall engine performance.
Pierre Cottenceau, Vice President of Engineering, Research & Technology for Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the launch of this ground test campaign marks a significant milestone in maturing hybrid-electric technologies and represents a key step toward their integration into future engines.
