Airbus has signed an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world’s largest first-tier aerostructures manufacturers, for the development of CityAirbus NextGen’s wings.
The agreement, which was signed on March 9, 2022, will see Spirit AeroSystems support Airbus in the development of the structural concept of wings for CityAirbus NextGen, its all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) multicopter.
Following the terms of the agreement, Spirit AeroSystems will be responsible for developing and manufacturing CityAirbus NextGen’s wings in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“The partnership with Spirit AeroSystems is an important step for the development of CityAirbus NextGen and its wings are key structural components for flight efficiency,” Jörg Müller, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus said in a recent statement.
“To build this vehicle, we are proud to work with Spirit as a strategic partner who benefits from a proven track record in this field, and extensive experience in component quality and airworthiness,” Müller added.
US-based Spirit AeroSystems is a long-standing partner of Airbus and provides the aircraft manufacturer with fully integrated wings and wing elements for multiple Airbus commercial aircraft. Currently, both partners are focused on achieving a minimum weight solution, while ensuring the highest levels of safety.
The partners also expect that the structural concept of the eVTOL’s wings will be able to transmit the related aerodynamic loads to attain the right balance between hover and cruise efficiency. CityAirbus NextGen’s distributed propulsion system will also help to reduce the influence of air turbulence during the flight.
According to Airbus, the fully electric CityAirbus NextGen is a prototype of the all-electric, four-seat eVTOL multicopter which provides air mobility services both in urban areas and beyond. The eVTOL is equipped with fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers. The aircraft is being developed to fly as much as 80 kilometers while reaching a cruise speed of 120 kilometers per hour.
The CityAirbus NextGen multicopter entered its detailed design phase in 2021, with the prototype’s first flight scheduled for 2023.