GKN Aerospace has delivered the first fully-integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for Eviation’s Alice all-electric aircraft.
The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures. The build and assembly has been supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Filton, Western Approach and Hoogerheide in the Netherlands. Final assembly and integration was completed at the new £32 million Global Technology Centre in Bristol.
GKN Aerospace and Eviation announced the collaboration agreement covering the design and manufacture of wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) in May 2020. The rapid development and delivery showcases GKN Aerospace’s ability to support the faster time-to-market of electrical aircraft. Alice is preparing for its first flight later this year and will fly nine passengers for up to 440 nautical miles.
“Important milestone in collaboration with Eviation”
John Pritchard President Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace added: “The development of all-electric aircraft is a game-changer. This first delivery is not only an important milestone in our collaboration with Eviation, but also in the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and certification, as well as technology leadership, to achieve this landmark.”
UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “It is great to see GKN Aerospace flying the flag for green aviation and driving forward the technology necessary to end our contribution to climate change. The fantastic work happening at GKN Aerospace’s new world-leading Global Technology Centre – which this government has helped to fund – is wonderful news for our plans to invest in the next generation of green aviation technologies here at home, bring them to market and then to our skies.”
GKN Aerospace is a multi-technology leader in design and manufacturing of lightweight aerostructures, EWIS systems and lightweight business jet empennages. The company is also a key partner in the Airbus ‘Wing of Tomorrow’ programme.
