Jabiru Electric Motor to Complement ICE Range
Jabiru, Australia’s premier manufacturer of Light Sport Aircraft and Aero engines, today announced the development of the Jabiru Electric Motor (JEM), expanding the company’s propulsion offerings to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
The JEM program represents Jabiru’s strategic approach to the future of aviation propulsion, developing electric alternatives while continuing to enhance its renowned internal combustion engine (ICE) range. This dual-path strategy ensures Jabiru remains at the forefront of propulsion technology while providing practical solutions for today’s owners and pilots.
“We believe in a measured transition to electric propulsion in aviation,” said Michael Halloran, Director of Jabiru. “The JEM program allows us to develop expertise in electric systems while continuing to support and improve our ICE range, which will remain the practical choice for most applications in the near to medium term.”
What sets the JEM apart from other electric motors in the market is its purpose-built design specifically for aircraft applications. Unlike many competitors who seek to develop general markets with aviation as one sector, the JEM has been engineered from the ground up to meet the unique requirements of aircraft propulsion, including direct drive, weight optimization, reliability at altitude, and aerospace-grade safety standards.
Jabiru has partnered with Evans Electric, a leading Australian electric motor technology company, to accelerate the JEM program. The development is now being supported by a grant from the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships (EATP) program, which will enable Jabiru to manufacture this technology in Australia and further strengthen the country’s Defence and Aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The JEM has been designed with the same philosophy of refined simplicity that has made Jabiru engines successful worldwide. Initial specifications show promising power-to-weight ratios, with configurations ranging from 30kW to 90kW to match Jabiru’s current ICE offerings. The development team has focused on creating a reliable, maintainable system that can be integrated into both new and existing aircraft designs.
Key aspects of the JEM development include:
– Direct-drive architecture eliminating complex reduction systems
– Advanced thermal management for consistent performance
– Modular design allowing for straightforward maintenance
– Compatibility with a variety of energy sources
– Integration with Jabiru’s aircraft systems
The JEM prototype will be displayed at Avalon 2025, demonstrating Jabiru’s commitment to innovation across all aspects of aircraft design and propulsion. Visitors can meet with Jabiru’s team to discuss both electric and ICE propulsion options for their aviation needs.
Jabiru is Australia’s premier manufacturer of Light Sport Aircraft and Aero engines. It has delivered more aircraft and engines than any organization in Australia’s history and is flying in over 50 countries. With a design philosophy of “Refined Simplicity” we continue to evolve our classic range of utility aircraft and engines at the same time as crafting new aeronautic innovations. Air. Craft. isn’t just a play on words; it’s a declaration of our commitment to tomorrow’s flyers.
