ABOVE: Aura Aero is now one step closer to EASA certification of its inaugural aircraft, the Integral R
French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero has completed the final test flight in the CS-23 certification campaign of its Integral R, “marking the end of a rigorous process of testing and technical evaluations,” explains the startup.
The taildragger Integral R is one of three aerobatically-capable, two-seat light aircraft variants currently under development by the Toulouse-based company and the first model to apply for type certification. (Other versions include the tricycle landing gear-configured Integral S and the all-electric Integral E).
However, since the Integral R made its maiden flight in 2020, the campaign has been marred by tragedy – with a fatal crash in April 2022 claiming the lives of both pilots and destroying the prototype. 19 months later, in November 2023, the R variant resumed its flight test campaign.
Powered by a Lycoming engine and driven by a constant-speed, two-blade MT propellor, the Integral R will have a cruising speed of 150kts and a range of 530nm. In 2023, Aura Aero indicated that EASA and FAA certification was expected from 2024 – a deadline it may yet make.
With the certification now in the hands of the relevant French and European authorities, “this milestone brings us considerably closer to obtaining Type Certificate… and attesting of Integral R’s compliance with the highest European safety and performance requirements, paving the way for the first customer deliveries,” concluded Aura Aero. “Stay tuned, the best is yet to come”.
Founded in 2018, Aura Aero has already made notable steps forward towards certification and commercialisation of its light aircraft family – becoming a certified aircraft manufacturer in October 2023 following receipt of EASA Part 21J approval.
IMAGE: AURA AERO
