VoltAero's funding for the development of its Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft has further increased with a $6 million grant from the French government via BPI France, the agency that supports France's economic growth by assisting its entrepreneurs. The financing was made available through the 'France 2030' investment plan that was established by the French government with the goal of sustainably transforming key sectors of the country's economy, including aeronautics.

“This grant is another important vote of confidence in VoltAero and our vision to develop the unique family of Cassio electric-hybrid general aviation airplanes for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight,” says CEO and chief technical officer Jean Botti. “It contributes to the Cassio 330's development, certification and production.”

The Cassio 330 is the first of three versions in VoltAero's electric-hybrid aircraft family that share a high degree of modularity and commonality. The family's design is based on VoltAero's clean-sheet configuration with a sleek, aerodynamically-optimised aircraft. The Cassio family will be a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies and private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (medevac) applications.

By integrating VoltAero's patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the purpose-designed aircraft, Cassio will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition and provide significantly lower operational costs.

The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: Cassio aircraft will utilise electric motors in the aft fuselage-mounted propulsion system for all-electric power during taxi, take off, primary flight (if the distance travelled is less than 150 km.) and landing. The hybrid feature, with an internal combustion engine, comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality. In addition, it has the capability to use multiple fuels.

The first version to enter service will be the Cassio 330, with five seats and power delivered by the 330-kilowatt electric-hybrid propulsion system. VoltAero's follow on six seat Cassio 480 will have an electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts, while the Cassio 600 is sized at a 12 seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.

VoltAero is headquartered at the Aérodrome de Royan-Médis in southwest France. The Cassio aircraft are to undergo final assembly in a purpose-built facility at the Rochefort Charente-Maritime airport in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.