Embraer Names First Three Suppliers for eVTOL Aircraft

Dark/Light Mode (19/06/23)  Embraer has named the first three suppliers for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Eve.

Nidec Aerospace, a joint venture between Japan’s Nidec Corporation and Embraer, will provide the electric propulsion system, BAE Systems will provide an advanced energy storage system, and DUC Hélice Propellers will supply the rotors and propellers for the eVTOL.

“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.”

Eve, Embraer's eVTOL UAM aircraft

During the past year, the company has been working closely with certification authorities to define certification requirements while also continuing to engage with customers to understand how they will operate the aircraft and incorporate their feedback.

The company has continued to advance its testing phase as part of maturing its eVTOL design, and Eve recently completed wind tunnel and propeller tests and began testing its vertical lift rotors aboard a new custom truck-mounted platform in May.

“We are excited to have Eve as our launch customer for Nidec Aerospace’s new electric propulsion system,” said Michael Briggs, senior vice president and president of the Motion & Energy Business Unit at Nidec. “With our cutting-edge technologies, Nidec Aerospace and Eve together are well-positioned to drive and accelerate advances in electrified urban air mobility towards a more sustainable future.”

Eve’s eVTOL aircraft utilizes a lift+cruise configuration with eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no change in position of these components during flight.

The latest concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy while ensuring performance and safety.

While offering numerous advantages including lower cost of operation, fewer parts, optimized structures and systems, it has been developed to offer efficient thrust with low sound.

“We are extremely honored to have been selected by Eve Air Mobility as the supplier of the rotors for the eight lift motors and the cruise propeller for their production vehicle,” said Duqueine Vincent, president and founder of DUC Hélices Propellers. “This recognition is a testimony to experience and expertise in the analysis, design, development, manufacture and maintenance of carbon composite propellers, rotors, fans and other aeronautical accessories. We are grateful to EVE for putting their trust in us.”

Eve expects to name additional component suppliers including flight-control systems, avionics, airframe and power-management systems in the future.

The company plans to start the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype during the second half of 2023, followed by the test campaign in 2024.

Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to begin deliveries and enter service in 2026.

Latest exclusive video interviews: Future of Air Travel - Interview with Sumesh Patel, President of SITA Asia Pacific; Miss International Queen 2024 (MIQ 2024) - Interview with Alisa Phanthusak, MD, Tiffany's Show Pattaya, Thailand; 16 HD Video Interviews from Routes Europe 2024 in Aarhus, Denmark; 9 HD Video Interviews from Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi, Malaysia; Standard to Open Residences in Hua Hin and Phuket, Thailand; Video Interview with Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman; 9 Exclusive Video Interviews from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 8 NTO Press Conferences from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 13 HD Video Interviews from World Travel Market 2023 in London, England; 5 HD Video Interviews from APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco, France; and 15 HD Video Interviews from Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye.