Gearing up to begin a test campaign of its much anticipated eVTOL aircraft, Embraer-founded Eve Air Mobility has revealed the first full-scale prototype of the air taxi and named two new suppliers to the program.

The unveiling ceremony for this uncrewed prototype took place early this month during a private event at Embraer’s Gaviao Peixoto test facility, located about 300 kilometers from São Paulo.

During the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, Eve CEO Johann Bordais lauded the event as “a significant milestone” and said: “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.”

Diehl Aviation, an industry leader in the design, development and production of integrated solutions for aircraft cabins, has been tapped to design and produce the interior of the aircraft. This is a notable win for the German firm, which is already playing a key role in several other eVTOL projects.

“Diehl will work closely with Eve’s engineering and design team to turn the company’s vision for an innovative and comfortable cabin into a reality to deliver the best flight experience for passengers,” says Eve. The plane-maker previously announced that Recaro Aircraft Seating will build the seats for its eVTOL.

Electrical power systems specialist ASE, meanwhile, will develop and produce the Primary High Voltage Power Distribution System, the Primary Low Voltage Power Distribution System and the High Voltage DC-DC converter which will connect the two systems aboard the eVTOL.

“ASE has consolidated experience in design, development, integration, production and support of electrical power systems for multiple types of aircraft,” notes Eve.

From the beginning, Eve has made strategic choices about the design and configuration of its eVTOL to accomplish a variety of urban air mobility missions.

Eve describes the innovative wing design thusly: “[The] aircraft utilizes eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight. The latest concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy with the goal of ensuring the highest levels of performance and safety.”

The company holds letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs. Its first eVTOL production facility will be located in the Brazilian city of Taubaté.

“With an eventual total expected output of up to 480 aircraft per year, Eve is planning on expanding the site’s capacity on a modular basis, with four equally-sized modules with capacity for 120 aircraft per year,” says the firm.

As Eve advances into the next phase of development, the eVTOL prototype will complete a series of test campaigns designed to assess every aspect of the aircraft’s operation and performance

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

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