France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft sees SAF as the initial key component to make General Aviation more sustainable in the near term. However, Elixir, already known for their innovative airframe, are constantly researching new products and technology, like hydrogen, to integrate into their aircraft and the industry.

Elixir Aircraft’s research and development has not stopped since the company was formed in the early 2010s. Their most recent announcement, at last month’s Paris Air Show, was the Elixir Turbine prototype dedicated to decarbonising aviation. Developed as part of a CORAC program in collaboration with Air Liquide, Safran, Daher and Turbotech, the program aims to accelerate the launch of innovative, more environmentally-friendly aircraft powered firstly by biofuel and then by hydrogen. The Elixir prototype integrates Turbotech’s SAF-burning TP90 turbine engine producing 160hp. Test flights are scheduled to take place around the end of the year.

The turbine integration is possible due to Elixir’s unique airframe originally inspired by racing sailboats. Today, all Elixir aircraft are built using a proprietary Carbon Oneshot technology that simplifies the structures with no complex assemblies with rivets, glue or screws. With this simplicity, the parts are fewer and stronger. The main structure of the aircraft, for example, is made of only nine composite parts, including a single block wing of 27.82 feet.

Another French Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, is also investing in new aviation technologies. Airbus’ currently produced aircraft are 50% SAF capable. This will increase to 100% in 2030. Airbus, like Elixir, believes decarbonisation requires a such as renewing fleets with latest generation aircraft, improving operations and infrastructure, using SAF and implementing disruptive technologies like Hydrogen.

Airbus’ Flight Academy in France has ordered a new fleet of Elixir aircraft.

Elixir Aircraft co-founder Cyril Champenois explains: “Commercial aviation has been moving towards biofuels for 15 years. This high-energy-density fuel does not change engines, pilot training, maintenance or distribution methods. SAF should soon be mass-produced meaning it will distributed to airports worldwide and available for purchase for GA customers. The team at Elixir Aircraft, like Airbus, see it to be the best current compromise for the future of its propulsion. Other technology like Hydrogen also looks very promising, but our options are open as we see what technology matures in the coming years.”

The current EASA Part 23 certified Elixir aircraft powered by Rotax already reduces carbon emissions by nearly 70% compared to other old generation aircraft.

About Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, created in 2015 and headquartered in La Rochelle, France offers aviators throughout the world the latest and most advanced 4th generation single engine aircraft. Elixir currently employs more than 100 employees and is constructing new production facilities in France and Florida, USA.

The objective of company from the beginning: to make safer, more economical, more environment-friendly and more versatile aircraft. Elixir employs a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Oneshot Carbon, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, therefore more safety, but also fewer maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of US$50 of fuel and maintenance). All Elixir airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit.

Elixir Aircraft is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Elixir Aircraft in Figures

• 4th generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23 since 2020
• 100 employees, including Over 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
• Two production sites in France, one of 23000 square ft, the other of 9000 square ft
• +70 aircraft on firm order
• +100 aircraft pre-ordered

About the Elixir Aircraft 100HP

The Elixir 100HP is the latest in safety, economy, and technology. Elixir Aircraft offers an aircraft that covers all the needs of a modern flight school while reducing carbon emissions by nearly 70% compared to other old generation aircraft. The standard flight training organization configuration includes a full Garmin avionics suite and are built to withstand the rigors of flight training. Standard safety equipment include: spin resistance; ballistic parachute, AoA indicator; double slotted electric flaps; explosion resistance fuel tank and Reinforced oleo-pneumatic landing gear and combined nose wheel, wide track and low center of gravity minimize bounced landings associated with loss of control accidents and runway excursions. The 912iS is powered by the low noise 100 hp Rotax offers with a fuel consumption of around three gallons per hour.

Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft