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Safran Nacelles and ESIGELEC, with its Institute for Research in Embedded Electronic Systems (IRSEEM*), announce the creation of their ePRISME joint laboratory (eTRAS Platform for Research and Innovation for Simulation, Modelisation and Evaluation of electric production lines), dedicated to the development of the future ETRAS* thrust reverser electric actuation system.
In a context of increasing electrification of the aircraft and greater technological requirements from aircraft manufacturers, ePRISME aims to contribute to the rise in maturity of Safran Nacelles’ future thrust reverser.
The laboratory revolves around two major axes:
• The creation of a test platform for the electric production line, initially simulated and then gradually transformed into a test bench. This approach will test the integration of physical equipment in an environment representative of the final system.
• The development of a predictive maintenance research platform, dedicated to the preventive detection of faults on the electrical system and the actuation system, via advanced algorithms and hardware solutions.
The laboratory, which is opening at the end of 2025, will continue its work until 2029, with the possibility of being extended in line with industrial requirements. It will rely on a dedicated team of about fifteen people. On the ESIGELEC side, along with its IRSEEM Research Institute, there are eight representatives - teacher-researchers, post-doctorates and research engineers specialised in system control, prognosis, diagnosis, EMC and reliability of complex systems. Safran Nacelles will second seven engineers and experts in electrical and mechanical thrust reverser systems
Fabienne Lacorre, Safran Nacelles' Technical Director, stated: “We chose ESIGELEC and IRSEEM for the quality of their expertise in control-command, predictive maintenance, EMC*** and for their proven experience in a number of industrial sectors. The institute also has a strong history of collaboration with our teams. With ePRISME, Safran Nacelles is equipping itself with a unique test environment, capable of simulating operating and failure scenarios in near-real conditions, in order to accelerate the development, and improve the reliability of, our future electric thrust reverser for commercial aviation."
Etienne Craye, ESIGELEC's General Director, added: “EPRISME perfectly illustrates the will of our two institutions to share knowledge and expertise. This laboratory offers a unique framework for conducting applied research on critical systems and training tomorrow’s engineers and researchers."
With this laboratory, Safran Nacelles and ESIGELEC are making an additional contribution to the development of key technologies to accelerate the transition towards more electric aircraft, an area in which Safran is particularly invested.
* IRSEEM is the French acronym for Institut de Recherche en Systèmes Electroniques Embarquées
**The ETRAS (Electric Thrust Reverser Actuation System) developed by Safran Nacelles and Safran Electronics & Defense is a lightweight, reliable and high-performance electric control system for thrust reversers. It efficiently replaces hydraulic controls while lightening the nacelle and simplifying maintenance.
***Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Safran (safran-group.com) is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defence and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. The Safran Group has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of €27.3 billion in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or European leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Nacelles designs, integrates and provides support and after-sales service for aircraft nacelles. The company is a global leader in the market for commercial aircraft with more than 100 seats, business jets and regional aircraft. At the cutting edge of technology, Safran Nacelles offers nacelles that are ever more integrated with the engine; aerodynamic, lightweight and with advanced acoustic treatments to contribute to the reduction of CO2 and noise emissions from aircraft.
ESIGELEC (esigelec.fr) is a leading generalist engineering school educating nearly 2,000 students each year and supported by a network of 15,000 alumni. With campuses in Rouen and Poitiers, the school trains engineers to address the major challenges of digital, energy, environmental, mobility, and healthcare transitions.
Recognized for its innovative, project-based pedagogy, strong international outlook, and close links with industry, ESIGELEC combines education, research, and innovation. Its research activities are driven by IRSEEM (UR4353), jointly operated with Université Rouen Normandie.
With 95 academic partnerships in 42 countries and more than 500 corporate partners, ESIGELEC fosters internships, work-study programs, and industrial collaborations. By integrating strategic skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and low-carbon energy, ESIGELEC positions itself as a key partner for future-oriented projects and a major contributor to the technological transitions shaping tomorrow’s world.
ESIGELEC Contact: Jennifer Holmes
P: +33(0)2 32 91 59 81 - E: jennifer.holmes[.]esigelec.fr.
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caroline.coudert[.]safrangroup.com 
