GKN Aerospace has delivered the first fully integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for Alice, an all-electric aircraft being developed by Eviation.
The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures.
The project leveraged specialist skills from right across GKN Aerospace’s business, including at locations in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, India and Romania. The build and assembly was supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Filton and Western Approach in the UK, as well as in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands. The final assembly and integration was completed at the new £32m (US$45.4m/€37.3m) Global Technology Centre in Bristol, UK.
GKN Aerospace and Eviation announced the collaboration agreement covering the design and manufacture of wings, empennage and EWIS in May 2020. Alice is expected to make its first flight later in 2021. The aircraft will be capable of flying nine passengers for up to 440 nautical miles.
“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,” said Kwasi Kwarteng, UK business secretary. “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.”
“The development of all-electric aircraft is a game-changer,” said John Pritchard, president, civil airframe, GKN Aerospace. “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.”
