Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division, a leading supplier of electromechanical actuation products and systems for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial automation applications, today announced that it was selected by Eviation Aircraft, manufacturer of Alice, the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft, to provide primary flight control actuation technology. Curtiss-Wright’s high power density electromechanical actuators (EMA) provides Eviation with a modular, distributed solution that enables a flexible control architecture. Curtiss-Wright’s proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) EMA design delivers a lightweight, plug-and-play solution that helps reduce cost, schedule risk, and program risk to support Eviation in preparation for its first flights in 2021.
"We are very pleased to have been selected by Eviation to help support the development of their historic all-electric Alice aircraft,” said Kevin Rayment, President, Commercial / Industrial Segment. “Curtiss-Wright is committed to leading the industry in bringing the revolutionary advantages of electric actuation to flight, from fixed wing to rotorcraft, from business jets to military platforms.”
“Curtiss-Wright is known for its flight technology innovation and we look forward to working with them as we build our high performing zero-emission electric aircraft," said Omer Bar-Yohay, Co-Founder & CEO, Eviation. "We are pleased to work with iconic partners who share our vision of making clean regional air travel accessible for all."
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 the Alice Aircraft
The Alice leverages an IP portfolio that includes innovations in thermal management and autonomous landing, as well as distributed electric propulsion, industry-leading battery technology and cutting-edge composite body frames.
ABOUT EVIATION AIRCRAFT
Eviation Aircraft Ltd. is developing and manufacturing efficient electric aircraft in an effort to make electric aviation a fast, competitive, and sustainable answer to the on-demand mobility of people and goods. Its distributed propulsion, high-energy density batteries, mission-driven energy management, and new airframe are designed from the ground up to maximize these technological advances for regional flight operators. Eviation is a member of NASA's on-demand mobility program, and serves on the electric aviation committees of the General Aviation Manufacturers' Association (GAMA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Please visit them at www.eviation.co.
Curtiss-Wright designs and manufactures its electric actuation products at its Shelby, N.C. facility.
For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division, please visit www.cw-actuation.com.
