GKN Aerospace delivers fully integrated composite structures for all-electric Alice aircraft

GKN Aerospace (Bristol, U.K.) reports that it has reached an important milestone in its collaboration with Eviation (Qadima, Israel) by delivering the fully integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for Eviation’s composites-intensive, all-electric aircraft, Alice, which will also boast three composite doors, carbon fiber blades, a composite fuselage and more. GKN says the wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by GKN Aerospace as fully integrated structures.

GKN Aerospace says the aircraft takes advantage of its multi-technology specialist skills in airframe, structures and EWIS. The build and assembly has been supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Filton, Western Approach and Hoogerheide (Netherlands). Final assembly and integration was completed at the company’s brand new £32 million Global Technology Centre in Bristol.

“It is great to see GKN Aerospace flying the flag for green aviation and driving forward the technology necessary to end our contribution to climate change,” says U.K. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng. “The fantastic work happening at GKN Aerospace’s new, world-leading Global Technology Centre — which this government has helped to fund — is wonderful news for our plans to invest in the next generation of green aviation technologies here at home, bring them to market and then to our skies.”

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 is said to showcase 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.

John Pritchard, president Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace adds: “The development of all-electric aircraft is a game-changer. This first delivery is not only an important milestone in our collaboration with Eviation, but also in the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and certification, as well as technology leadership, to achieve this landmark.”

GKN Aerospace is a global leader in the design and manufacture of lightweight aerostructures and EWIS systems, as well as being a key partner in the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program (read about the GKN Aerospace’ recent carbon fiber thermoplastic aircraft rib design) and market leader in lightweight business jet empennages.