On the eve of the 45th Farnborough Airshow, urban air mobility (UAM) company Eve Air Mobility unveiled the aircraft being built at the Embraer test facility of Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo State.
The company also named Diehl Aviation as the designer and producer of interior and ASE as the supplier for the power distribution system for it electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
"Our global team of engineers have shown exceptional dedication and expertise to successfully assemble our first full-scale eVTOL prototype," said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. "This is a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to safety, accessibility and innovation. 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."
As Eve advances into the next phase of development, the eVTOL prototype already has a series of comprehensive testing campaigns. "This extensive testing phase begins the next fundamental step in our journey," said Bordais. "It ensures that our eVTOL meets the high standards and expectations we've set for performance and safety."
Diehl Aviation will work with Eve’s engineering and design team to turn the company’s vision for an innovative and comfortable cabin into a reality. ASE will develop and produce the Primary High Voltage Power Distribution System, the Primary Low Voltage Power Distribution System and the High Voltage DC-DC converter which will connect the two systems aboard the eVTOL.
Eve’s eVTOL 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.
Last year, the company announced that its first eVTOL production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. 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.
According to company officials, Eve has already received letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs.
