Eve Air Mobility (Eve) has confirmed that it has chosen three suppliers for elements of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. DUC Hélice Propellers will supply the rotors and propellers, BAE Systems will provide an advanced energy storage system, and Nidec Aerospace LLC, a joint venture between Nidec Corporation and Embraer, will provide the electric propulsion system.
“The announcement of the first suppliers is a key milestone in the development of our eVTOL aircraft,” said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “As we advance toward entry into service, our goal is to make sure that we produce and deliver a mature aircraft that not only exceeds expectations but enables our customers to operate safely and efficiently with the lowest cost of operation.”
Nidec Aerospace LLC, a joint venture between Japan's Nidec and Brazil's Embraer and a leading comprehensive motor manufacturer, will produce the electric propulsion system. The company will be supported by Embraer's over-50-year history of aerospace experience to design, certify, produce and commercialise next-generation electric propulsion systems.
BAE Systems‘ energy storage system will be integrated into Eve's eVTOL, enabling the aircraft to operate efficiently with zero-emissions and minimal noise. The energy storage system will leverage the company's over-25 years of experience in providing dependable electric power and propulsion for multiple heavy-duty vehicles. That experience combined with its history of developing flight critical control systems for aerospace is ideal for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) applications which will require safety, reliability and efficiency.
DUC Hélice Propellers will supply the rotors for the eight lift motors and the cruise propeller. Based in France and with facilities in the U.S.A., the company has an expertise in the analysis, design, development, manufacture and maintenance of propellers, rotors, fans and other carbon composite aeronautical accessories acquired through the multiple aviation programmes in which it participates.
