Company will supply components for prototypes and production aircraft
Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) has selected Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) as the supplier of pylons for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The pylons are a fundamental component of the aircraft’s structure, supporting the electric power units and its eight rotors for vertical take-off and landing.
“With its excellent performance in quality, technology and business, KAI has excelled in supplying aerostructure components for a variety of aircraft, including Embraer’s E-Jet E2 model,” says Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. “We welcome KAI with great enthusiasm to our select group of suppliers, who will collaborate with us from the prototyping phase through to aircraft production.”
For the past three decades, KAI has been a key supplier of large-scale aerostructural components to aircraft manufacturers around the world, including Embraer’s E-Jet E2 model. In this sense, the agreement represents a milestone for KAI’s entry into the advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Last year, Goo Young Kang, CAA’s CEO, highlighted space and future air mobility as the company’s main focus in its strategic vision for 2050. Recently, KAI revealed a significant investment in production infrastructure, with the aim of expanding its share of the AAM industry.
KAI is the latest addition to Eve’s list of suppliers for its eVTOL. In February, Eve selected Aciturri to supply the wing covers and stringers, as well as the leading and trailing edges, and Crouzet for the pilot control. In January, Thales was announced as the supplier of sensors and a computer, while Honeywell will be responsible for the guidance, navigation and external lighting systems. RECARO Aircraft Seating will equip the eVTOL with seats and FACC will supply the horizontal and vertical stabilizer, including the rudder and the elevator. Last year, Eve chose Garmin for the aircraft’s avionics, Liebherr-Aerospace for the flight control actuators and Intergalactic for the thermal management system. The company has also partnered with Nidec Aerospace LLC, a joint venture between Nidec Corporation and Embraer, to develop the aircraft’s electric propulsion system. In addition, BAE Systems was chosen to supply the energy storage system and Duc Propellers for the rotors and propellers.
Eve’s eVTOL uses a Lift + Cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising, without the need for transition components during flight. The latest concept includes an electric propeller powered by twin electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy, guaranteeing high performance and safety. In addition to offering several advantages, such as low operating costs, fewer parts, optimized structures and systems, it has been developed to offer thrust efficiency with low noise.
Last year, Eve revealed that its first eVTOL factory will be established in the city of Taubaté, in São Paulo. The company has started assembling the first full-scale eVTOL prototype, which will continue the testing campaign. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled for its first deliveries and entry into service in 2026.
In parallel, Eve continues to develop a broad portfolio of agnostic solutions, including Vector, an Urban ATM software to optimize and expand UAM operations worldwide.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***