Plana, DUC Hélices Propellers to develop propellers for AAM

Hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (HeVTOL) developer Plana (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) and carbon fiber composite propeller and rotor manufacturer DUC Hélices Propellers (Frontenas, France), have announced a partnership to design and produce high-performance, low-noise and efficient propulsion systems for Plana’s composites-intensive CP-01 aircraft (read “Plana targets full-scale, hybrid-electric eVTOL prototype by 2025”). The goal of the partnership is to integrate the expertise of both companies in the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, collaborating over the entire process of propeller design, production, testing and certification.

Recently, DUC Hélices Propellers signed a deal to provide its products to Eve Air Mobility (São José dos Campos), a Brazilian VTOL developer. DUC boasts more than 25 years of experience and expertise in the analysis, design, development, manufacture and maintenance of propellers, rotors, fans and other carbon fiber composite aviation accessories, with experience gained through several aviation programs.

This marks the second partnership announced by Plana at this year’s Paris Air Show, marked by the signing ceremony by Plana CEO Braden J. Kim and DUC Hélices Propellers CEO Duqueine Vincent.

“Propulsion is crucial to the success of AAM,” says Kim. “We are pleased to partner with leading suppliers like DUC Hélices Propellers to create innovative solutions. I expect this partnership to accelerate the flight of the aircraft we are developing.”

Watch the video below to learn more about DUC’s production of its carbon fiber propellers.