This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Why visit ACE ’25?

Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Formula One designers bring expertise to CityAirbus structure
KLK Motorsport and Gerg will share their race car engineering and manufacturing competencies to design high-end composite solutions and components that will equip CityAirbus NextGen's rear structure.
The rear structure of the the CityAirbus NextGen will be fully integrated and lightweight.

Airbus has partnered with KLK Motorsport and Modell-und Formenbau Blasius Gerg to design, develop and manufacture the rear structure of CityAirbus NextGen. The companies will work together to develop an ultra-lightweight rear fuselage, which plays a key role in the airframe's flight efficiency and which meets the high standards of reliability and performance for Airbus' eVTOL prototype.

Airbus head of UAM Joerg Mueller says: “The partnership with KLK Motorsport and Gerg will provide CityAirbus NextGen with a fully integrated, ultra-lightweight rear fuselage. Directly interacting with the centre fuselage and the wing, 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.”

KLK Motorsport and Gerg have been working on end-to-end composite design and manufacturing solutions for a number of years. This partnership to develop the rear structure of CityAirbus NextGen is a continuation of the work undertaken by both suppliers on Airbus' high speed demonstrator Racer, for which they provided an innovative carbon fibre canopy, optimised for low aerodynamic draft and high visibility.

In September 2021, Airbus unveiled its eVTOL prototype CityAirbus NextGen, to explore advanced air mobility technologies and bring urban air mobility services to life. Over the past few months, the company has selected partners for structural components of its prototype, such as Thales and Diehl, who will develop the aircraft's flight control computers, and Spirit AeroSystems for its wings. Airbus is also working closely with industrial and institutional partners to lead the development of urban air mobility ecosystems, as recently announced with ITA Airways in Italy, and through the launch of the Air Mobility Initiative in Germany.

Other News
 
AMSL Aero completes untethered flight of Vertiia
November 21, 2024
The historic test flight was performed on battery power by remote control in the Central West region of New South Wales. The landmark flight is the first by an Australian-designed and built eVTOL.
Milestone adds new framework to Safran agreement
November 13, 2024
The agreement streamlines the transfer of helicopters, brings added value to Milestone’s activities and its Safran-powered fleet, as well as reinforcing Safran’s by-the-hour services.
Vertical is ATI winner for zero-carbon emissions tech
October 17, 2024
Vertical Aerospace has been recognised for its lightweight, high-performance eVTOL battery system by the Aerospace Technology Institute.