A consortium of French aerospace companies including Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace, and Ascendance has launched a joint research initiative to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for small aircraft, marking a strategic effort to reduce carbon emissions in general aviation.
The project, named TAGINE (Tentative dans l’Aviation Générale d’Introduction de Nouvelles Énergies), is backed by France’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and national aviation research body CORAC. It aims to develop and test a hybrid-electric propulsion system for six- to ten-seat aircraft by 2027, a category that accounts for approximately 25,000 aircraft worldwide.
At the core of the TAGINE project is Daher’s Kodiak aircraft, which will be used as a testbed for the hybrid-electric system. The aircraft will feature a novel propulsion architecture that dynamically adjusts the balance between electric and turbine power depending on the phase of flight. Daher will lead the project, focusing on integration, structural design, and safety.
Safran is developing the propulsion chain, combining a turbine engine with an electric motor. The effort builds on the company’s ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, which recently received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The system is intended to cut fuel consumption and emissions while lowering noise levels.
Collins Aerospace is responsible for propeller integration and aeroacoustic optimisation. The company is working on a proprietary electric pitch control system aimed at improving efficiency and reducing weight.
Ascendance, known for its hybrid power systems, will contribute its Hybrid Operating System to manage onboard energy flows. The company is also tasked with overseeing battery storage integration.
“This project targets a segment of aviation that is ideally positioned to benefit from hybrid-electric technology,” the consortium said in a joint statement. “TAGINE represents a concrete step toward cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight in the short term.”
The two-year initiative will begin with feasibility studies, regulatory planning, and environmental assessments. Initial results are expected by the end of 2025, with milestone updates to be presented at the next Paris Air Show.