CAE launches electric aircraft modification program with Piper Aircraft
by CM Staff
CAE expects to convert two-thirds of its Piper Archer® training fleet and develop a curriculum for new pilots to train on the operation of electric aircraft.
CAE’s electrified Piper Archer® training aircraft (CNW Group/CAE INC.)
FARNBOROUGH — On Jul. 19, CAE announced at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022 that it has partnered with Piper Aircraft to develop a conversion kit via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for in-service Piper Archer® (PA-28-181) aircraft and bring an electric variant option of the aircraft to market.
CAE expects to convert two-thirds of its Piper Archer® training fleet and develop a curriculum for new pilots to train on the operation of electric aircraft. CAE is bringing together executives from Canada, the United States, and Europe to develop an aircraft that will reduce carbon emissions and noise levels at its flight schools around the world, while training future pilots to operate electric aircraft.
CAE and Piper Aircraft intend to work together on an electrical conversion kit for third parties, along with training and support services required for the operation of electrified Piper Archer® aircraft.
Executives from CAE, Piper Aircraft, and project partners joined François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry as well as Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy and Innovation for the announcement.
“Piper Aircraft has been a longstanding trusted partner for CAE’s flight training operations, and we are very pleased to have them join us, along with other electric aviation leaders, in this leap forward for the sustainable future of aviation.” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO.
“The development of this technology is a first for CAE. As an engineering powerhouse and one of the largest Piper Archer® operators, CAE is uniquely positioned to make electric-powered flight a reality at our flight schools and beyond. CAE’s partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for investment into R&D has enabled us to boldly look to the future and prepare our electric aircraft for take-off,” added Parent.
“Piper Aircraft is excited to support CAE’s development of an electric aircraft modification conversion kit for the Piper Archer®”, said Piper Aircraft President and CEO, John Calcagno. “With 28,000 aircraft in global service, the PA-28 is the ideal platform for real world flight training curriculums and professional pilot training programs like CAE’s. Piper Aircraft is focused on aviation’s commitment to greenhouse gas reductions and as such, we look forward to collaborating with CAE on the integration of an electric propulsion system for the Piper Archer®.
