Embraer Enters JV With Nidec To Develop Electric Propulsion For eVTOLs
the company planning on beginning the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype in the second half of 2023. This will be followed by full-scale testing of the aircraft by 2024 and certification by regulators by 2026.
BY JOSHUA KUPIETZKY
PUBLISHED JUN 18, 2023
The aerospace company announced its first three suppliers for its eVTOL aircraft.
Eve Air Mobility has named the first three suppliers for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. BAE Systems will provide an advanced energy storage system, Nidec Aerospace LLC, a joint venture between Nidec Corporation and Embraer, will provide the electric propulsion system, and DUC Hélice Propellers will supply the propellers and rotors for the eVTOL.
Since its founding in 2020, Embraer's subsidiary Eve Air Mobility has made headways in the eVTOL market. Its aircraft will be suitable for one pilot and up to four passengers and is being built with politeness operations in mind when fully autonomous flight becomes permissible. The aircraft can fly up to 125 miles per hour (200 kph) and has a range of 60 miles (96 km).
On the eve of the Paris Air Show, Eve Air Mobility announced it is one step closer to building its eVTOL aircraft as it named its first three suppliers.
Three suppliersNidec Aerospace is a joint venture between Japan-based Nidec Corporation, the world's leading comprehensive motor manufacturer, along with Embraer will develop the next-generation electric propulsion system for Eve's eVTOL. BAE Systems energy storage system will be used by Eve's eVTOL, allowing the aircraft to efficiently operate with low noise and zero emissions. Lastly, French company DUC Hélice Propellers will develop and supply the rotors for eight lift motors and the cruise propeller.
In a statement, Alice Altissimo, vice president of program management and operations of Eve, stated,
"Eve has taken a 'building blocks' approach to further enhance the maturity of the technology and its eVTOL. We continue to make very good progress, and we are looking forward to working with these new suppliers as we accelerate the world's transition to sustainable air travel."
The company plans to name additional component suppliers for its eVTOL aircraft, including avionics, flight-control systems, and power-management systems, in the future. Currently, almost 300 engineers are working on the Eve project, with the company planning on beginning the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype in the second half of 2023. This will be followed by full-scale testing of the aircraft by 2024 and certification by regulators by 2026.
Growing demandEve's small but sustainable aircraft has become a popular choice, with airlines looking to step towards green aircraft, including United Airlines, Global Crossing Airlines (Global X), Kenya Airways subsidiary Fahari Aviation, and Singaporean company Ascent. Eve has already had provisional sales and commitments for some 2,770 of its aircraft from 26 different customers. Eve's eVTOL aircraft is 100% electric, making it a cost-effective, sustainable transportation alternative.
Furthermore, United Airlines and Eve announced the launch of the airline's eVTOL operations in San Francisco. Starting in 2026, United passengers will be able to book a flight aboard an all-electric Eve eVTOL aircraft in San Francisco. This flight will take from an eVTOL station within the city to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), improving passengers' travel experience and reducing travel time and emission output.
Bottom lineIt was not too long ago when Eve first published the initial concept for its eVTOL aircraft. Eve's eVTOL aircraft is one step closer to becoming a reality. |
