Eve Air Mobility, a Brazilian subsidiary of Embraer, has announced the roll-out of a prototype of its first full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the Eve Air Mobility statement, the remotely operated variant of the eVTOL aircraft will now undergo a series of thorough tests. The tests aim to carefully evaluate every part of the aircraft’s prototype performance as well as its safety. These insights will be crucial in improving the aircraft’s design and functionality.
“Our global team of engineers has shown exceptional dedication and expertise to successfully assemble our first full-scale eVTOL prototype,” Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, said.
“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,” Bordais concluded.
The eVTOL aircraft prototype uses eight propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising, without moving any parts during flight. It also features an electric pusher with two electric motors for extra reliability. This design is supposed to deliver top performance, safety, reliability, and low operating costs.
Last year, Eve Air Mobility announced the establishment of its inaugural eVTOL production facility in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. The facility is projected to achieve an annual output of up to 480 aircraft.
Eve plans to expand the site’s capacity on a modular basis, incorporating four equally sized modules, each with the capability to produce 120 aircraft per year. According to the manufacturer, this strategic phased expansion reflects a disciplined, capital-efficient investment approach that should align with market growth.
The Embraer-backed Eve Air Mobility currently has secured letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs.
