Airbus Progresses in Urban Air Mobility with CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL Prototype

Selection of Eaton and Crouzet for Power Distribution and Human-Machine Interface to Ensure Seamless Integration and Enhance Performance, Reliability, and Safety.

“Eaton and Crouzet bring a unique mix of aviation expertise to our journey with CityAirbus NextGen. From full electrification to advanced ways of piloting, they are key partners in our mission to develop the features that will make our eVTOL a true game-changer for air mobility,” Stefan Hedtstück, Head of UAM procurement at Airbus, said.

A collaboration dedicated to pioneering air mobility services
As the provider of CityAirbus NextGen’s electrical power distribution system, Eaton has mobilised its teams to create an optimal solution to deliver electrical power from the Airbus-designed batteries to CityAirbus NextGen’s eight electrical power units. The power distribution system ensures that the eVTOL is flying safely, by compensating for any reduction of battery performance in flight.

Leveraging the company’s extensive experience in electrification for the aviation industry, Eaton is designing, analysing and manufacturing the power distribution unit to be fully integrated within the electrical propulsion system of the Airbus’ prototype.

“We designed a high voltage, intelligent solution for the eVTOL’s electrical power distribution system in line with CityAirbus NextGen’s architecture. The use of the latest generation electronic and protective components plays an important part in this endeavour”, explains Tyler Ford, General Manager Engine Solutions and Electrification, at Eaton.



This also applies to Crouzet, who will equip CityAirbus NextGen’s flight deck with the piloting control device. Benefiting from extensive experience in flight deck controls, the electromechanical and electronic components company has developed a whole new human-machine interface concept that complies with the most stringent requirements for size, weight and safety: the pilot will manage the trajectory of the vehicle rather than the attitude of the aircraft. The actual control action on the propellers is then managed by the advanced flight control system. The new piloting interface radically simplifies flying and thus reduces pilot workload.

“Airbus and Crouzet jointly designed a cutting-edge human-machine interface that allows pilots to fly CityAirbus NextGen and to control peripheral functions such as the radio and the autopilot”, explains Philippe Defrance, Marketing segment leader at Crouzet.

This innovative subsystem will be a compact combination of electronics, mechanical, and software technologies.

Ready to make zero emission flights possible
To rise to the challenge, Eaton and Crouzet have powered end-to-end technical solutions that will deliver advanced air mobility requirements for the highest levels of safety and innovation.

Consequently, the human-machine-interface is a major asset for the cockpit concept retained for CityAirbus NextGen. Indeed, it will rely on Crouzet's piloting device to let the pilot choose either a fully automated flight, or manual control take-over for a smooth and easy steering of the aircraft anytime during the flight.

"This new generation of pilot control is an important step toward air mobility services with Airbus’ eVTOL. We worked side by side with Airbus - a long term trusted partner - to shape the most ergonomic pilot control device for CityAirbus NextGen ", mentions Defrance.

Eaton has fostered the development of electrical flight through years of collaboration with Airbus, and by investing in base technologies such as materials, processes and controls, in order to deliver a state-of-the-art, innovative eVTOL system that is safe, accessible and secure.

“Electrified flight is a major milestone for this industry and a key-element of Eaton’s Aerospace strategy for the next decades. As an expert in power systems, selective coordination and power distribution, Eaton has a key role to play. We are providing Airbus the latest of our innovative technologies and aerospace processes to comply with safety of flight,” emphasised Krishna Jonnalagadda, SVP and General Manager of Eaton’s Fluid and Electrical Distribution Division.

www.airbus.com