Overair and Toray, a manufacturer of advanced carbon fibre and composite prepreg materials, have announced a strategic collaboration on utilisation of Toray’s advanced prepreg system in Overair’s Butterfly prototype programme.

Butterfly is a zero-emission electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that will provide sustainable aerial ride-sharing in densely populated cities.

The Butterfly prototype aircraft uses Toray’s T1100/3960 prepreg system.

“We’re excited to be working closely with Toray’s advanced materials as we continue the development of our all-electric Butterfly experimental prototype aircraft,” said Ben Tigner, Co-Founder and CEO at Overair.

Optimal weight targets

“Our unique propulsion system requires materials that provide a unique combination of high stiffness and high strength, while also maintaining the optimal weight targets for the vehicle.”

Overair recently completed full-scale testing of Butterfly’s propulsion system. Butterfly’s propeller will be showcased at the Farnborough International Air Show.

“It is an honour for Toray to partner with Overair on this endeavour and provide the Butterfly a unique performance advantage with our 3960 prepreg system,” said Jeff Cross, Director of Business Development for Aerospace at Toray.

“We’re excited for the future as Overair proceeds with full-scale development and testing. The proven performance of our materials gives me confidence that we can help achieve Overair’s objective of producing the safest, most efficient, and reliable eVTOL aircraft.”

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