Eve Air Mobility unveils full-scale eVTOL prototype at Farnborough Air Show

Brazilian electric aircraft maker prepares for tests

In a significant advance towards testing of its first electric airplane, Brazilian company Eve Air Mobility has unveiled a full-scale prototype at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom.

As the 45th Farnborough Air Show got underway near London on Sunday, Eve Air Mobility, a Brazilian maker of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a significant advancement in the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype.

In a press statement Eve Air, a subsidiary of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, says that it unveiled the prototype of the plane that is being built at the test facility of Embraer at Gaviao Peixoto in Sao Paulo State in Brazil.

“Our global team of engineers have shown exceptional dedication and expertise to successfully assemble our first full-scale eVTOL prototype. 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,” says Johann Bordais, CEO, Eve Air Mobility.

In addition to the roll-out of its prototype, Eve also announced that it has completed the selection of the primary suppliers for its eVTOL aircraft. As Eve advances into the next phase of development, the eVTOL prototype already has a series of comprehensive testing campaigns. These campaigns are designed to meticulously assess every aspect of the aircraft’s operation and performance, from flight capabilities to safety features. These insights will play an important role in refining the design and functionality of the aircraft.

“This extensive testing phase begins the next fundamental step in our journey. It ensures that our eVTOL meets the high standards and expectations we have set for performance and safety,’’ adds Bordais.

The statement adds that through its relationship with Embraer, the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, Eve is able to take advantage of Embraer’s 55 years of experience developing, designing, certifying, and producing aircraft as it develops its eVTOL.

It says that additionally, customers will benefit from having access to an existing global network of service and support locations, critical to ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operations.

With letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs, the company says that its  aircraft utilises eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly in cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight. The concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy with the goal of ensuring the highest levels of performance, safety and dispatch reliability and low cost of operation.

The statement adds that Eve continues to develop a comprehensive portfolio of agnostic services and operations solutions. This includes Vector, a unique urban air traffic management software designed to optimise and scale advanced air mobility operations worldwide.