Centre technologique en aérospatiale (CTA) and École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA) of Cégep Édouard-Montpetit will contribute to a project to convert the Piper Archer aircraft to electric power. The project is led by CAE, a high-tech company and world leader in pilot training, in partnership with Florida-based Piper Aircraft.
The initiative aims to develop a conversion kit for existing Piper Archer aircraft that will be approved by Transport Canada and the FAA, and to bring an electric version of the aircraft to market.
CTA and ÉNA at the heart of the transformation
Centre technologique en aérospatiale, in conjunction with ÉNA, will strategically contribute to the conversion of the electric propulsion system of the test aircraft. This operation will be carried out by its research team specializing in the development and integration of aeronautical systems, who will document the process and better understand the challenges and issues.
“Professors from École nationale d'aérotechnique, in particular our propulsion experts, will assist the CTA research team,” said ÉNA Director Pascal Désilets. “They will develop a better understanding of electric propulsion and the issues involved in replacing piston engines with electric engines. The professors will be able to incorporate this knowledge into their teaching, thereby training a new generation of technicians capable of working on the most environmentally friendly engines.”
An asset for R&D and training on electric propulsion systems in Québec
“This flagship project will serve as a technological showcase that will have a direct impact on the entire R&D and aeronautics training ecosystem in Québec,” noted CTA General Manager Francis Archambault. “It will serve as a springboard for developing world-class expertise in the field of aviation electrification.”
“We are pleased to be working with CTA and ÉNA, two world-class institutions that will support CAE’s electric aircraft modification program and contribute their solid expertise to shaping the future of sustainable aviation,” said Marc St-Hilaire, CAE’s vice president, Technology and Innovation.
Centre technologique en aérospatiale will take advantage of this opportunity to build knowledge on electric propulsion systems and subsequently pursue research and development in this critical area. In addition, ÉNA will be able to train technicians capable of working on these new engines and offer advanced training to technicians already in the job market.
