Eviation’s Alice aircraft is the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft
SHELBY, N.C. and ASHBURN, Va. – September 29, 2022 – Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division congratulates Eviation Aircraft on the historic successful flight of Alice, the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft. Curtiss-Wright is proud to support this nine-passenger, two-crew member aircraft with its high-power density electromechanical actuation (EMA) technology. Curtiss-Wright’s proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) EMA design delivers a lightweight, plug-and-play primary flight control actuation solution that helps reduce cost, schedule risk, and program risk. In addition, Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division provides Eviation with its IADS flight test software for real-time and post-flight data visualization, analysis, and reporting.
"We sincerely congratulate Eviation Aircraft on their exciting milestone first flight for the all-electric Alice and we are pleased to help support the development of this historic aircraft,” said Phil Bowker, Senior General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division. “This is the first flight of a crewed, fixed-wing aircraft using EMA for all of the primary flight controls, an industry milestone we are proud to be at the heart of. Curtiss-Wright is committed to bringing the revolutionary advantages of electric actuation to flight, from fixed wing to rotorcraft, from business jets to military platforms.”
"Eviation Aircraft’s Alice is at the forefront of aviation innovation as the first commuter aircraft that produces zero carbon emissions, greatly reduces noise, and provides a significantly more cost effective alternative to jet aircraft,” said Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. “We are extremely pleased to support and contribute to the success of this historic first flight with our IADS flight test real-time station, control room systems, and hardware server solutions. Using IADS customizable plug-in interface, Eviation was able to develop their real-time data source.”
Keeping innovation and performance top of mind, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the Alice aircraft. Inspired by the new design possibilities that emerged by replacing turbine engines with all electric motors, Eviation and its team have reimagined what sleek, stylish and cost effective air mobility can be with the introduction of Alice.
About Curtiss-Wright EMA Technology
EMA technology delivers proven and compelling benefits and advantages, such as superior reliability and improved energy efficiency, over traditional hydraulic approaches for a wide range of aviation applications, including flight controls, landing gear, and utility actuation. Compared to hydraulic actuation, EMA also delivers significant improvements for size, weight and power (SWaP), with lighter and smaller alternatives that result in significant weight savings (as much as 10 lb. per unit) at the system level. Curtiss-Wright, in October 2017, was first to market with distributed rotary electromechanical spoiler and flap actuation systems developed for Part 23 aircraft.
Supporting a wide range of customer requirements, Curtiss-Wright’s EMA solutions are available in build-to-specification, COTS and modified-COTS designs. These modular products are designed for maximum flexibility. They can be easily and rapidly customized, typically only requiring minor mechanical modification (for physical mounting and interfaces) to help speed deployment and reduce risk to the customer’s schedule.
About Curtiss-Wright IADS Flight Test Software
Curtiss-Wright’s IADS flight test software is a real-time and post-test display and analysis solution. It is the premier system for flight test, used by every major test program in the US and in many other countries world-wide. IADS significantly improves flight test efficiencies and helps to speed program completion with powerful display and analysis software with a comprehensive catalog of supporting hardware and software components to suit single computer to large control room applications.
About the Alice Aircraft
The all-electric Alice aircraft features:
- Max operating speed: 260 knots
- Max useful load: 2,500 lbs for passenger version and 2,600 lbs for eCargo version
Alice is available in three variants including a nine-passenger commuter, an elegant and sophisticated six-passenger executive cabin, and an eCargo version. All configurations support two crew members. The executive cabin and eCargo variations are identical to the commuter configuration, except for the interior.
Alice is powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units from magniX, the only flight-proven electric propulsion systems at this scale. Other key suppliers include AVL (battery support), GKN (wings), Honeywell (advanced fly-by-wire system, flight controls and avionics), Multiplast (fuselage), Parker Aerospace (six technology systems), and Potez (doors).
Alice’s advanced battery system is highly efficient and endlessly upgradeable enabling range improvements as battery technology evolves. The aircraft also incorporates a fly-by-wire cockpit, providing greater reliability and systems redundancy.
About Eviation Aircraft
Based in Washington State, U.S., Eviation Aircraft Inc. develops and manufactures efficient electric aircraft to deliver a competitive and sustainable solution for the regional mobility of people and goods. Its electric propulsion units, high-energy-density batteries, mission-driven energy management, and innovative airframe are designed from the ground up for electric flight. Please visit www.eviation.com.
For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division, please visit www.cw-actuation.com.
Curtiss-Wright designs and manufactures its electric actuation products at its Shelby, N.C. facility. IADS flight test software is developed by Curtiss-Wright’s Palmdale, CA facility. For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s flight test instrumentation technology, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding Commercial Power, Process and Industrial markets. We leverage a workforce of 8,000 highly-skilled employees who develop, design and build what we believe are the best engineered solutions to the markets we serve. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing innovative solutions through trusted customer relationships. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
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