Eve unveils first full-scale eVTOL prototype at private event

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Eve unveils first full-scale eVTOL prototype at private event

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Becca Alkema Operations Manager and Contributing Writer | Runway Girl Network

By Sky Industry News

Jul 21, 2024

Embraer-founded Eve Air Mobility has unveiled the first full-scale prototype of its much-anticipated eVTOL aircraft and named two new suppliers to the program. The unveiling ceremony for this uncrewed prototype took place earlier this month during a private event at Embraer’s Gaviao Peixoto test facility, located approximately 300 kilometers from São Paulo.

During the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, Eve CEO Johann Bordais described the event as “a significant milestone” and stated: “As we now turn our attention toward the preparation of a rigorous testing campaign, we are not just creating an aircraft, we’re building a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions that will shape the future of the Advanced Air Mobility industry.”

Diehl Aviation has been selected to design and produce the interior of the aircraft. This collaboration is considered a notable achievement for Diehl Aviation, which is already involved in several other eVTOL projects. According to Eve, “Diehl will work closely with Eve’s engineering and design team to turn the company’s vision for an innovative and comfortable cabin into a reality to deliver the best flight experience for passengers.” Recaro Aircraft Seating has been previously announced as responsible for building seats for the eVTOL.

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Electrical power systems specialist ASE will develop and produce various electrical components, including the Primary High Voltage Power Distribution System, Primary Low Voltage Power Distribution System, and High Voltage DC-DC converter. Eve noted that “ASE has consolidated experience in design, development, integration, production and support of electrical power systems for multiple types of aircraft.”

Eve's strategic choices regarding its eVTOL design aim to support various urban air mobility missions. The company describes its innovative wing design: “[The] aircraft utilizes eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight. The latest concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy with the goal of ensuring the highest levels of performance and safety.”

The company holds letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs. Its first production facility will be located in Taubaté, Brazil. The firm states: “With an eventual total expected output of up to 480 aircraft per year, Eve is planning on expanding the site’s capacity on a modular basis, with four equally-sized modules with capacity for 120 aircraft per year.”

As development progresses into its next phase, Eve's eVTOL prototype will undergo a series of test campaigns designed to evaluate every aspect of its operation and performance. Bordais remarked: “This extensive testing phase begins the next fundamental step in our journey. It ensures that our eVTOL meets the high standards and expectations we’ve set for performance and safety.”