Siemens has partnered with Bye Aerospace to provide the electric propulsion motor and inverter for Bye Aerospace’s Sun Flyer 2 aircraft.

Siemens will supply its SP70D motor, which has a 90kW peak capacity and a continuous rating of 70kW.

The companies will work together through the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and production phase of the Sun Flyer 2.

Siemens executive vice-president and eAircraft head Dr Frank Anton said: “The Siemens SP70D motor has been specifically designed for the needs of 2-seater flight trainers.

“We know that safety, performance and cost of electric propulsion in the flight training market will be game changing and we are proud to partner on the Sun Flyer family of aircraft.”

“We know that safety, performance and cost of electric propulsion in the flight training market will be game changing and we are proud to partner on the Sun Flyer family of aircraft.”

The Sun Flyer family of aircraft is comprised of the two-seat Sun Flyer 2 and the four-seat Sun Flyer 4.

The all-electric airplanes will be designed for the flight training and general aviation markets.

Bye Aerospace CEO George Bye said: “Given its performance and form factor, the SP70D motor is perfect for Sun Flyer.

“Members of the Siemens team have already been participating in development and certification meetings with the FAA, and we will be making future announcements about progress with the Sun Flyer 2’s flight test programme.”

Last month, Bye Aerospace conducted the first flight of a prototype of Sun Flyer 2 aircraft at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Colorado, US.

The flight was performed to test the prototype’s increased speed, altitude and endurance capabilities.