Babcock International Group, a leading provider of critical services to the defense and civil nuclear markets, has announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AURA AERO, a French aircraft manufacturer. This collaboration aims to deliver a complete, integrated solution for armed forces, centered around AURA AERO’s new-generation electric training aircraft, INTEGRAL.

According to a press release from Babcock, the partnership will encompass a full range of technical, logistical, training, and support services. The strategic alliance, unveiled at the Paris Air Show, seeks to merge AURA AERO’s expertise in sustainable aviation with Babcock’s extensive experience in defense and civilian service support and pilot instruction. This integrated approach is expected to not only enhance military aviation capabilities but also contribute to the decarbonization of defense operations.

David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, highlighted the global need for next-generation pilots to meet increasingly complex operational demands. He mentioned that working with AURA AERO could introduce innovative solutions to military aviation.

The INTEGRAL aircraft is described as an advanced training platform, featuring cutting-edge avionics and a unique digital system. This system allows for detailed post-flight debriefing of pilot and aircraft performance by enabling the replay of each flight and access to all flight data, a crucial element for training activities. The source also notes that INTEGRAL is uniquely certified with a whole-aircraft rescue parachute, prioritizing safety.

The INTEGRAL family includes three models designed to address various pilot training requirements: INTEGRAL R, a tailwheel variant with a 210 hp Lycoming engine for training and aerobatics; INTEGRAL S, a nosewheel configuration with a 180 hp Lycoming engine also for training and aerobatics; and INTEGRAL E, an all-electric model powered by Safran’s ENGINeUS electric motor.

Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating his confidence that the partnership with Babcock France will yield a modern, sustainable, and versatile solution tailored to the needs of armed forces. He also pointed out that integrating the all-electric INTEGRAL E into military fleets could halve operating costs for many missions while initiating a transition towards reduced carbon emissions.