GKN Aerospace has reached an important milestone in its collaboration with US-based Eviation by delivering the first fully integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the Alice all-electric aircraft. The wings and empennage feature advanced composite technology and are the first delivered by the company as fully integrated structures.

Alice is taking advantage of GKN Aerospace’s multi-technology specialist skills in airframe, structures and EWIS from right across the business. The build and assembly has been supported with products manufactured in Cowes, Filton, Western Approach and Hoogerheide (NL). Final assembly and integration was completed at the brand new £32 million Global Technology Centre in Bristol.

GKN Aerospace and Eviation announced the collaboration agreement covering the design and manufacture of wings, empennage EWIS in May 2020.

The rapid development and delivery showcases 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.

UK business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “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.

“The fantastic work happening at GKN Aerospace’s new world-leading Global Technology Centre - which the 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.”

John Pritchard, GKN Aerospace president civil airframe, said: “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 the world’s multi-technology leader in design and manufacturing of lightweight aerostructures and EWIS systems, as well as being a key partner in the Airbus ‘Wing of Tomorrow’ programme and market-leader in lightweight business jet empennages.