GKN Aerospace delivers first wings, empennage and wiring for all-electric Alice
GKN Aerospace has reached an important milestone in its collaboration with Eviation (USA) by delivering the first fully-integrated wings, empennage and EWIS for the Alice all-electric aircraft.
Image courtesy GKN Aerospace
The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures.
Alice is taking advantage of GKN Aerospace’s multi-technology specialist skills in airframe, structures and EWIS from right across the business. The build and assembly has been supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Filton, Western Approach and Hoogerheide (NL). Final assembly and integration was completed at the brand new £32M 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.
UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “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.”
John Pritchard President Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace said: “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.”
GKN Aerospace is a multitech designer and manufacturer of lightweight aerostructures and EWIS systems, as well as being a key partner in the Airbus ‘Wing of Tomorrow’ programme and a specialist in lightweight business jet empennages.