Digital tech company CAE is joining forces with Piper Aircraft to develop a conversion kit for the Piper Archer PA-28-181 to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to bring an electric variant option of the trainer aircraft to market.
The company, which focuses on digital tools for pilot training, among other projects in defense and healthcare, made the announcement this week at the Farnborough International Airshow. In a statement, CAE said it plans to convert two-thirds of its Piper Archer training fleet and develop a curriculum for new pilots to train on the operation of electric aircraft.
“CAE is bringing together industry leaders from Canada, the United States, and Europe to develop an aircraft that will reduce carbon emissions and noise levels at its flight schools around the world while training future pilots to operate electric aircraft,” the statement said.
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CAE and Piper Aircraft intend to work together on an electric conversion kit for third parties, along with training and support services.
“Piper Aircraft has been a longstanding trusted partner for CAE’s flight training operations, and we are very pleased to have them join us, along with other electric aviation leaders, 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 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.”
Piper’s CEO said the project fits with the company’s goal to reduce emissions and pave the way for a greener future in aviation.
“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’s.”
The statement from CAE did not include a timeline for development.
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