Safety Considerations for Electrified Propulsion Aircraft
AIR8677
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides information to be considered when performing the safety assessment of electrified propulsion aircraft. Its main focuses are:
● Typical new technologies introduced by electrified propulsion and their impact on safety
● The failure modes of electrified propulsion systems and their components
● Potential effects of failures at system and aircraft levels
● Possible strategies to minimize failures and mitigate their effects
The information in this document may be used to generate inputs for system and aircraft safety assessments based on industry standards such as SAE ARP4761.
The first issue of this document addresses battery systems, power electronics, eMotors, electrical interconnects and thermal management for fully electric configurations. Future issues are expected to address other subsystems, components and configurations.
Rationale: While it is considered that existing system safety assessment methodologies are appropriate to assess the safety of electrified propulsion aircraft, the adequate deployment of such methodologies requires an understanding of the new technologies introduced by electrification and their application to the propulsion function. Furthermore, some of the safety considerations applicable to gas turbine and piston engine aircraft propulsion may not be adequate for electrified propulsion.
