BPI France, the French government’s agency that supports France’s economic growth by assisting its entrepreneurs, has provided a €5.6 million grant to VoltAero to support the development of its Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft.
The financing was made available through the ‘France 2030’ investment plan, which was established by the French government with the goal of sustainably transforming key sectors of the country’s economy – including aeronautics.
Vote of confidence in VoltAero
“This grant is another important vote of confidence in VoltAero and our vision to develop the unique family of Cassio electric-hybrid general aviation airplanes for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight,” stated Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and chief technical officer. “It contributes to the Cassio 330’s development, certification and production.”
Cassio 330 is the first of three versions in VoltAero’s electric-hybrid aircraft family that share a high degree of modularity and commonality. The family’s design is based on VoltAero’s clean-sheet configuration with a sleek, aerodynamically-optimised aircraft.
The Cassio family will be a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation applications.
The Cassio aircraft will utilise electric motors in the aft fuselage-mounted propulsion system for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150 km), and landing. The hybrid feature – with an internal combustion engine – comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality. In addition, it has the capability to use multiple fuels.
