GKN Aerospace has reached an important milestone in its collaboration with Eviation by delivering the first fully-integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the Alice all-electric aircraft. 

The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures. The aircraft is being assembled in Arlington, near Seattle, Washington State (USA).

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 have been supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Bristol (UK) and Hoogerheide (Netherlands). Final assembly and integration were 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 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.

Alice was first announced at the 2019 Paris Airshow where a concept aircraft was displayed.  The late Ken Brookes, a regular contributor to BTN, supplied the words for the 1 July issue. www.btnews.co.uk/article/14816

www.eviation.co