Curtiss-Wright congratulates Eviation on successful first flight of its all-electric aircraft

Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division congratulates Eviation Aircraft on the historic successful flight of Alice, the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft. Curtiss-Wright is proud to support this nine-passenger, two-crew member aircraft with its high-power density electromechanical actuation (EMA) technology. Curtiss-Wright’s proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) EMA design delivers a lightweight, plug-and-play primary flight control actuation solution that helps reduce cost, schedule risk, and program risk. In addition, Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division provides Eviation with its IADS flight test software for real-time and post-flight data visualization, analysis, and reporting.

“We sincerely congratulate Eviation Aircraft on their exciting milestone first flight for the all-electric Alice and we are pleased to help support the development of this historic aircraft,” said Phil Bowker, Senior General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division. “This is the first flight of a crewed, fixed-wing aircraft using EMA for all of the primary flight controls, an industry milestone we are proud to be at the heart of. Curtiss-Wright is committed to bringing the revolutionary advantages of electric actuation to flight, from fixed wing to rotorcraft, from business jets to military platforms.”

“Eviation Aircraft’s Alice is at the forefront of aviation innovation as the first commuter aircraft that produces zero carbon emissions, greatly reduces noise, and provides a significantly more cost effective alternative to jet aircraft,” said Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. “We are extremely pleased to support and contribute to the success of this historic first flight with our IADS flight test real-time station, control room systems, and hardware server solutions. Using IADS customizable plug-in interface, Eviation was able to develop their real-time data source.”

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.

The all-electric Alice aircraft features:

Alice is available in three variants including a nine-passenger commuter, an elegant and sophisticated six-passenger executive cabin, and an eCargo version. All configurations support two crew members. The executive cabin and eCargo variations are identical to the commuter configuration, except for the interior.

Alice is powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units from magniX, the only flight-proven electric propulsion systems at this scale. Other key suppliers include AVL (battery support), GKN (wings), Honeywell (advanced fly-by-wire system, flight controls and avionics), Multiplast (fuselage), Parker Aerospace (six technology systems), and Potez (doors).

Alice’s advanced battery system is highly efficient and endlessly upgradeable enabling range improvements as battery technology evolves. The aircraft also incorporates a fly-by-wire cockpit, providing greater reliability and systems redundancy.