ZODIAC AERO ELECTRIC SAS

Their core work

Zodiac Aero Electric is a French aerospace electrical systems manufacturer specializing in power electronics, electrical power conversion, and distribution systems for large commercial aircraft. Within H2020, they contribute electrical subsystem expertise to Clean Sky 2 and related aviation demonstrator programmes, focusing on high-voltage DC networks, wide band gap semiconductor power devices, and next-generation aircraft electrical architectures. Their work sits at the intersection of power electronics engineering and aircraft systems integration, supporting Europe's push toward more electric aircraft.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014-2016), Zodiac Aero Electric participated in broad Clean Sky 2 systems and aircraft demonstrator programmes (SYS GAM 2018, LPA GAM 2018, VOLT) without detailed keyword specificity — suggesting general electrical systems supply roles. From 2017 onward, their projects became sharply focused on power electronics, HVDC distribution, and advanced semiconductor materials (INSTEP, WInSiC4AP), indicating a deliberate pivot toward the more electric aircraft agenda. The most recent project (GAM-2020-LPA, starting 2020) brings these threads together with innovative propulsion integration, signalling they are positioning for hybrid-electric aircraft architectures.

Moving toward high-voltage DC power architectures and wide band gap semiconductors for hybrid-electric aircraft — a strong fit for future Clean Aviation and electrification programmes.

How they like to work

Zodiac Aero Electric never coordinates projects — they join as a specialist partner or third-party contributor, which is consistent with a Tier 1 aerospace supplier providing specific subsystem expertise to large OEM-led consortia. With 149 unique partners across 16 countries, they operate in very large consortium structures typical of Clean Sky 2. This means they are experienced team players in complex multi-partner aviation programmes but unlikely to initiate or lead a consortium themselves.

Extensive network of 149 unique partners across 16 countries, driven almost entirely by participation in large Clean Sky 2 consortia. Their geographic reach spans the major European aerospace nations.

What sets them apart

Zodiac Aero Electric occupies a specific niche as an aerospace electrical power systems specialist with demonstrated capability across the full chain — from semiconductor materials (SiC wide band gap) through power conversion and HVDC distribution to aircraft-level integration. This vertical depth in aviation electrification is rare and valuable for any consortium working on more electric or hybrid-electric aircraft. As part of the broader Zodiac Aerospace group (now Safran Electrical & Power), they bring industrial-scale manufacturing credibility alongside R&D capability.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SYS GAM 2018
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 3.1M) — a major Clean Sky 2 systems integration programme indicating deep trust from the JTI.
• WInSiC4AP
  Moves beyond traditional aerospace into advanced semiconductor materials (SiC), showing capability at the component technology level, not just systems integration.
• GAM-2020-LPA
  Most recent project (2020-2024) covering innovative propulsion concepts and next-gen aircraft demonstrators — signals their forward-looking positioning.