GKN Aerospace has delivered the first fully integrated wings, empennage, and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the Eviation Alice all-electric aircraft. The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures.
In a June 3 announcement, GKN said U.S-based Eviation, is taking advantage of GKN Aerospace’s skills in airframe, structures and EWIS from across the Europe-based group. Products manufactured at facilities in Cowes, Filton, Western Approach, and Hoogerheide have supported the build and assembly. GKN completed final assembly and integration at the new £32 million ($45 million) Global Technology Centre in Bristol.
GKN Aerospace and Eviation announced the collaboration agreement covering the design and manufacture of wings, empennage, and EWIS in May 2020. The parts were produced using pre-preg open moldings and autoclave curing. GKN says it is currently planning for a low rate of initial production.
Eviation plans to fly the nine-passenger, 500-mile-range Alice for the first time later this year as it aims to complete FAA type certification by the end of 2023. The aircraft is powered by an electric propulsion system developed by its sister company MagniX. It recently took delivery of the first example of this unit at its new headquarters in Washington state.
An image released by Eviation to accompany today's announcement shows the original design for Alice. The company has declined to comment on reports that it has redesigned the aircraft since it was first unveiled in 2019.
