Hartzell to supply carbon fibre propellers for Eviation’s electric commuter

With zero-emissions and 100% battery-electric solution, the Alice Aircraft will be test flown at Paris Air Show in June 2019. Under the terms of the development partnership, Hartzell Propeller will provide customised and optimised propellers and support systems.

Founded in Tel Aviv in 2015, Eviation is led by a team of aviation and technology leaders from organisations including Phinergy and the Israel Defense Forces. Eviation’s Alice will provide high-energy density battery-powered fleets to regional carriers in the U.S, with a value proposition that can reduce carrier operating expenses sustainably.

“Eviation’s new regional commuter aircraft provides an exciting opportunity to be a part of the next generation in aircraft powered by electricity,” said Hartzell Propeller president Joe Brown. “And it is another example of manufacturers utilising our expertise in supplying propeller systems designed to optimise performance specifically for their aircraft and mission profile.”

Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO of Eviation, said: “Hartzell is an industry icon in aviation for its innovative propeller designs. It is largely responsible for the two precursors to our battery-power engine – the turboprop propeller and the piston-engine, so we welcome them as a valued partner, as together we chart this new era of electric aviation.”

With development support from Hartzell Propeller, the Alice will be equipped with an innovative system of new propellers, designed to meet the needs of the aircraft. The design and manufacture of the propeller systems underway will utilise Hartzell’s five-blade carbon fibre blades and Bantam hub series to provide the optimal combination of reduced weight and maximum performance.

Each of the propellers in the three-unit ship set will be approximately 65 inches in diameter and feature carbon fibre blades with nickel cobalt leading edges, certified for unlimited life. The structural composite propellers will be integrated with Eviation’s proprietary technology advances, including: thermal management and autonomous landing, distributed electric propulsion, and cutting-edge composite body frames capable of carrying up to nine passengers on a single charge for 650 miles.

www.hartzellprop.com

www.eviation.co