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Aura Aero reactivates X-VOLT as testbed for ERA aircraft
Aura Aero has reactivated the former VoltAero Cassio S aircraft, now renamed X-VOLT, to serve as a flying testbed for its upcoming hybrid-electric regional aircraft, the ERA. The aircraft performed its first flight under the new designation on September 16, 2026, at Rochefort airport in France.
The X-VOLT is equipped with Safran Electrical & Power ENGINeUS electric motors, which are the same propulsion units selected for the ERA. This setup allows Aura Aero to test critical components of the future propulsion system under real flight conditions before they are integrated into the ERA prototype. The 19-seat ERA is currently scheduled for its maiden flight in late 2027.
Beyond internal development, Aura Aero intends to use the X-VOLT as a platform for testing advanced systems developed by external industrial partners. Combined with the company’s INTEGRAL E program, Aura Aero has now accumulated over 350 hybrid and electric flight hours.
Entities
Aura Aero · Era · Rochefort · Safran Electrical & Power · VoltAero
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The X-VOLT can be used to test advanced systems developed by industrial partners. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ERA is a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to carry 19 seats. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Aura Aero has completed more than 350 hybrid or electric flights using the X-VOLT and INTEGRAL E programs. www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The X-VOLT will serve as a flying testbed for the propulsion technologies of the ERA regional aircraft. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The X-VOLT is equipped with Safran Electrical & Power ENGINeUS electric motors. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The first flight of the ERA aircraft is planned for late 2027. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Aura Aero has reactivated the former VoltAero Cassio S aircraft under the new name X-VOLT. aerobuzz.de · www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl · www.aerointernational.de