CAE Pauses Electric Piper Archer Trainer Conversion Program, Evaluates Next Steps
Why It MattersThe pause signals that electric flight-training conversions still face significant certification and technical hurdles even for established training providers.
Montreal-based CAE has paused its program with Piper Aircraft, launched in 2022, to pursue supplemental type certification of an electric conversion kit for the Piper Archer trainer. The program involved Safran supplying its 150-kW EngineUS 100 electric engine and H55 providing the battery system, with CAE planning to convert two-thirds of the Piper Archer fleet used in its ab initio training program to reduce emissions and noise while developing a dedicated electric-aircraft training curriculum.
CAE told Aviation Week it had completed the initial phase, including the design of an electric training aircraft based on the Piper Archer, and is now evaluating the best path forward for the next phase. The company cited the need for specialized expertise in advanced development and certification as a factor behind the pause, saying it is working with industry stakeholders and specialized partners to assess options for taking the project forward.
The pause comes as CAE has been refocusing on its core training and simulation business, having sold its healthcare simulation division in 2024 and exploring a potential sale or other options for its Flightscape aviation software business.
