In the framework of the Berlin International Air Show, which runs until June 26th, Airbus announced a partnership with the companies KLK Motorsport and Modell- und Formenbau Blasius Gerg GmbH to produce the rear structure of the CityAirbus NextGen, the European manufacturer’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The companies will work together to develop an ultralight rear fuselage, which will play a key role in terms of flight efficiency and energy consumption. The two Airbus partners will design high-end composite solutions for the aircraft structure. KLK Motorsport and Gerg GmbH have extensive experience in this area. They will reportedly produce an innovative carbon fiber canopy.
«The rear structure will leverage both suppliers’ expertise in homogeneous design for FormulaE and Formula One vehicles, while complying with the most stringent safety and reliability standards», said Joerg Mueller, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus.
The eVTOL CityAirbus NextGen prototype was unveiled in September 2021. Company’s goal is to explore new air mobility technologies in urban centers and to offer sustainable passenger and cargo transportation products.
Already in 2022, the company selected different companies for the production of the aircraft’s structural components. Thales and Diehl will develop the flight control computers, while Spirit AeroSystems will be in charge of the wings design.
Airbus is also working closely with industrial and institutional partners, such as ITA Airways, to develop urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystems.
See also: ILA 2022: Airbus and Linde to cooperate on hydrogen infrastructure development
