Aura Aero begins flying X-Volt hybrid-electric testbed

Aura Aero has started flying a hybrid-electric demonstrator built from the assets of collapsed French developer VoltAero, the Toulouse-based company said. The aircraft, formerly the Cassio S, is now the X-Volt.

Aura bought VoltAero's assets in June. The X-Volt will test propulsion technology for the ERA, the 19-seat hybrid-electric design Aura plans to build.

Based on a twin-engined Cessna 337 Skymaster, the X-Volt has two wing-mounted ENGINeUS electric motors. Versions of those motors are to power the ERA, whose prototype is due to fly in late 2027, according to Aura.

The company said the X-Volt will let it test elements of the future aircraft's propulsion system in real flight conditions before they are fitted to the prototype. Aura also intends to use the aircraft as a flying testbed for other systems, developed internally or by outside parties.

Until now, Aura has built experience with electric propulsion using its own Integral E two-seat trainer, also powered by ENGINeUS motors. Aura says the Integral E and X-Volt together have flown a combined 350 hybrid or electric flights.