PIPER PARTNER WITH CAE ON ELECTRIC ARCHER
Piper Aircraft announced today at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 that it has partnered with CAE to develop a conversion kit via a Supplemental Type Certificate for in-service Piper Archer® (PA-28-181) aircraft, enabling the two companies to bring an electric variant option of the iconic aircraft to market.
CAE will convert two-thirds of its Piper Archer® training fleet and will be the first to develop a curriculum for new pilots to train on the operation of electric aircraft. These advancements will significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise levels at its flight schools around the world while preparing pilots to operate green electric aircraft.
Piper Aircraft and CAE have agreed to work together on the development of an electrical conversion kit for third parties, and intend to develop the training and support services required for the operation of electrified Piper Archer® aircraft.
“Piper Aircraft has been a longstanding trusted partner for our flight training operations, and we are very pleased to have them join us in this leap forward for the sustainable future of aviation,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO.
“The development of this technology is a first for CAE. As an engineering powerhouse and one of the largest Piper Archer® operators, CAE is uniquely positioned to make the electric-powered flight a reality at our flight schools and beyond. CAE’s partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for investment into R&D has enabled us to boldly look to the future and prepare our electric aircraft for take-off,” added Parent.
“Piper Aircraft is excited to support CAE’s development of an electric aircraft modification conversion kit for the Piper Archer®”, said Piper Aircraft President and CEO, John Calcagno. “With 28,000 aircraft in global service, the PA-28 is the ideal platform for real world flight training curriculums and professional pilot training programs like CAE. Piper Aircraft is focused on aviation’s commitment to greenhouse gas reductions and as such, we look forward to collaborating with CAE we look forward to collaborating with CAE on the integration of an electric propulsion system for the Piper Archer®.
