AIR Collaborates with Nidec “to Develop Customised eVTOL Motor for AIR ONE Production Model”
Air, an Israeli-based eVTOL manufacturer, announced this week a collaboration with Nidec Motor Corps, a producer of commercial, industrial and appliance motors and controls, to develop the motor for the production model of AIR’s two-seater aircraft, AIR ONE, reports a press release. The two companies are to design and develop a motor specifically for mid-sized eVTOL aircraft.
The release says, “Nidec, an industry veteran of fifty years and among the world’s largest electric motor manufacturers, will work with AIR to develop an efficient motor customised to support the single-charge journeys of up to 100 miles that AIR ONE offers.”
And goes on, “Funded by the BIRD Energy Program (Israel/U.S Binational Industrial R&D Foundation) to support innovative joint clean energy, the resulting enhanced-efficiency motor will be incorporated into AIR ONE’s continued flight testing and eventually into AIR’s production practices.”
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Rani Plaut, CEO and co-Founder of AIR, commented, “Not only does this partnership represent a major turning point for the AAM industry as a whole, but it also specifically paves the way to fulfilling AIR’s mission and the dream of personal flight. The motor represents the heart of any vehicle.”
Vincent Braley, CEO of Nidec Aerospace, added, “We’re excited to merge Nidec’s motor expertise and global manufacturing capabilities with AIR’s revolutionary eVTOL to deliver advanced motor capabilities to the individual consumers who wish to fly.”
The partnership is another milestone for AIR. Last month the company announced its participation in the USAF prestigious AFWERX Agility Prime program to drive flight testing and additional eVTOL R&D efforts in the U.S.
With over 1,000 AIR ONE vehicles reserved via preorder alongside a waiting list, AIR plans to deliver the first batch of aircraft to consumers following aircraft certification.
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(Top image Air One)
