Turbolab - Successful first run on the test bench for the OPUS380 turboprop engine

On 27 September 2024, in Bayonne, the Akira Technologies team announced the successful completion of the first tests of its turboprop engine demonstrator, named OPUS380, developed as part of a CORAC project. The project was carried out in collaboration with Vibratec, with the support of the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the participation of Safran AE, Safran HE and Daher.

Based on the DGEN380 engine, the OPUS380 project represents a major step forward in the development of hybrid propulsion technologies. This turboprop engine can generate mechanical power of 250 kW, and the Duc Hélice propeller produces traction of 500 daN at 2,300 rpm. The aim of the project is to prepare a test vehicle to enable customers and partners to test the hybrid propulsion technologies of tomorrow.

The second phase of the project, OPUS380-H, involves adding an electric motor to create a parallel hybrid electric configuration. This will provide an additional 250 kW of power, enabling different hybridisation scenarios to be tested, such as all-electric take-off, and motor control strategies to be validated. This thermal-electric combination aims to improve operational efficiency while reducing pollutant emissions and noise.

One of the major technical challenges was to develop a gearbox adapted to hybrid mode, enabling a smooth transition between the thermal and electric power sources. This transition is crucial for optimising critical phases of the flight, such as take-off, where combined power is required, or cruising phases, where the electric motor can take over to save fuel.

Over the coming months, our teams will be carrying out a series of tests at TURBOLAB, focusing on testing the electric motor and gearbox in hybrid configuration. These tests will confirm the robustness, reliability and performance of this technology in a variety of flight scenarios.