Hartzell Providing Customized, Optimized Props for Eviation's Electric Commuter

Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric air mobility solutions, selects Hartzell Propeller, Inc., as a development partner for Eviation's debut aircraft, the all-electric Alice. Under the terms of the development partnership, Hartzell Propeller will provide customized and optimized propellers and support systems.

Eviation's Alice will provide high-energy density battery-powered fleets to regional carriers in the U.S., with a value proposition that can reduce carrier operating expenses sustainably. With zero emissions and 100 percent battery-electric solution, the Alice Aircraft will be test flown at the 53rd Paris Air Show in June 2019. 

Founded in Tel Aviv in 2015, Eviation is led by a team of aviation and technology leaders from organizations including Phinergy and the Israel Defense Forces.

"Eviation's new regional commuter aircraft provides an exciting opportunity to be a part of the next generation in aircraft powered by electricity," says Hartzell Propeller president, Joe Brown. "And it is another example of manufacturers utilizing our expertise in supplying propeller systems designed to optimize performance specifically for their aircraft and mission profile."

"Hartzell is an industry icon in aviation for its innovative propeller designs. It is largely responsible for the two precursors to our battery-power engine: the turboprop propeller and the piston-engine, so we welcome them as a valued partner as together we chart this new era of electric aviation," says Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO of Eviation.  

With development support from Hartzell Propeller, the Alice will be equipped with an innovative system of new propellers, designed to meet the unique needs of the first-in-kind aircraft. The design and manufacture of the propeller systems underway will utilize Hartzell's five-blade carbon fiber blades and Bantam hub series to provide the optimal combination of reduced weight and maximum performance.

Each of the propellers in the three-unit ship set will be approximately 65 inches in diameter and feature carbon fiber blades with nickel cobalt leading edges, certified for unlimited life. The structural composite propellers will be integrated with Eviation's proprietary technology advances, including: thermal management and autonomous landing, distributed electric propulsion, and cutting-edge composite body frames capable of carrying up to nine passengers on a single charge for 650 miles.