Evolito Partners with Flying Whales to Revolutionize Sustainable Cargo Aviation
Evolito Limited, a leader in the development of advanced electric propulsion systems, is excited to announce a major collaboration with Flying Whales, a trailblazer in large-capacity airship development. This strategic partnership marks a transformative milestone in the realm of sustainable cargo aviation, providing innovative solutions to the critical global challenges of emissions reduction and efficient cargo transport.
Through this collaboration, Evolito will supply its cutting-edge D250 electric propulsion engines for Flying Whales’ LCA60T airship, which is slated to make its first test flight in 2027. The LCA60T, a remarkable 200-meter-long airship, is designed to carry extremely heavy loads of up to 60 tons. The airship will not only revolutionize the way oversized and bulky cargo is transported but also contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing how aviation can become a driving force in the global push toward sustainability.
Pioneering Sustainable Air Transport
Flying Whales’ LCA60T is engineered to address a growing need for the transportation of heavy and oversized cargo, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking or underdeveloped. The airship’s ability to carry a payload of up to 60 tons makes it an ideal solution for transporting heavy equipment, large components for construction projects, or materials to remote locations. With a capacity that traditional air transport methods cannot match, the LCA60T offers a game-changing solution that reduces the need for ground transportation, which often leads to congestion and environmental impact.
What makes this collaboration even more significant is the integration of Evolito’s D250 electric propulsion system, a cutting-edge technology that will allow the LCA60T to operate more efficiently and sustainably. By utilizing electric motors instead of traditional fossil fuel-powered engines, Flying Whales aims to cut down on the carbon emissions associated with air cargo transport. The adoption of electric propulsion in airships represents a giant leap forward for sustainable aviation, as it helps reduce the aviation industry’s reliance on fossil fuels while also improving operational efficiencies.
The D250 Electric Propulsion System
The D250 electric propulsion engine, which will power each LCA60T airship, is at the heart of this innovative project. Evolito’s electric motor is known for its unmatched power and torque density, making it ideal for powering large, heavy-lift airships like the LCA60T. Each LCA60T will be equipped with 32 of these advanced motors, a configuration that ensures optimal performance for the airship across a wide range of operating conditions.
What sets Evolito’s D250 apart is its superior power density, which is an impressive 18.5 kW/kg. With a maximum output of 240 kW and a weight of just 13 kilograms, the D250 motor is one of the most compact and lightweight engines available in its class. This combination of high power and low weight is critical for airships, where reducing weight is a major factor in ensuring efficient and effective performance.
The D250’s axial flux technology, a hallmark of Evolito’s design philosophy, further enhances its performance. Axial flux motors are known for their ability to deliver high power output while occupying a much smaller space than traditional radial flux motors. This compact design is especially beneficial in the context of aviation, where minimizing weight and maximizing space utilization are essential.
Evolito’s motors are engineered to offer not just power but also durability and reliability, both of which are crucial for the demanding environments in which airships operate. The D250’s robustness makes it well-suited for the long-term operational needs of Flying Whales, who require a dependable powertrain for their large airships.
Scalable Production and Certification Progress
Another key factor in Flying Whales’ decision to partner with Evolito is the latter’s capacity to scale production of the D250 motors to meet the growing demand for the LCA60T. Flying Whales’ vision for the LCA60T calls for a significant production run, and Evolito’s ability to meet these production needs was a critical component in the decision-making process. As the airship’s first test flight approaches, Evolito is poised to ensure that its motors are available in the quantities required to meet Flying Whales’ manufacturing timelines.
In addition to production scalability, Evolito has made significant strides in securing regulatory approval for its electric propulsion systems. In 2023, the company received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a key step in ensuring that its motors meet the rigorous safety standards required for aviation applications. Evolito is also working toward achieving Production Organisation Approval (POA) and ISO9001 certification later this year, which will further enhance the company’s credibility and operational efficiency, while also helping to reduce the certification costs for Flying Whales.
Statements from Key Figures
Vincent Guibout, CEO of Flying Whales, emphasized the importance of weight considerations in airship design. “When designing an airship, weight is key. In the three years we have been working together, Evolito has demonstrated the ability to deliver best-in-class power density with its unique axial flux electric motors, as well as the ability to scale up production to meet our forecast requirements. There is excellent synergy between our teams – we share a passion for enabling electric flight through engineering excellence and innovation – and I look forward to working with Evolito on the first flight of the LCA60T and then on to commercial production and operation.”
Evolito’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. Chris Harris, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “The Flying Whales LCA60T airship is an inspiring aircraft, demonstrating that electric flight can help solve global challenges, from reducing harmful emissions to sustainably delivering essential infrastructure. Evolito’s unique axial flux technology enables a new class of lightweight, compact and high-performance electric motors, opening the door to many new aircraft designs, mission profiles and use cases – setting new standards for electric propulsion in the aeronautics industry.”
Evolito’s Vision for the Future of Electric Aviation
Evolito’s commitment to revolutionizing aviation with electric propulsion extends far beyond its work with Flying Whales. The company is dedicated to making electric flight a reality by offering world-leading axial flux electric motors, motor controls, and battery systems for the aerospace market. Evolito’s electric propulsion systems are known for their best-in-class power, torque, and energy densities, making them ideal for a wide range of aviation applications, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, urban air mobility (UAM), helicopters, and traditional fixed-wing aircraft.
As the demand for cleaner, more sustainable air transport solutions grows, Evolito is at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution. Its technology not only addresses the urgent need for reducing emissions but also presents new opportunities for creating lighter, more efficient aircraft that can transform the way goods and people are transported.
The Role of Electric Flight in Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery
One of the most promising aspects of the LCA60T airship is its potential to revolutionize the delivery of essential infrastructure to remote or underserved regions. In areas where road or rail infrastructure is lacking, airships like the LCA60T can provide an efficient and cost-effective way to transport heavy and bulky items such as construction materials, machinery, and emergency supplies. By using electric propulsion, these airships can further reduce the environmental impact of their operations, aligning with the growing global push toward sustainable infrastructure development.
The LCA60T could play a pivotal role in transforming industries such as construction, energy, and disaster relief, providing a versatile and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cargo transport methods. As the technology matures, it is expected that the use cases for electric airships will expand, creating new opportunities for sustainable logistics solutions.
Evolito: A Leader in Electric Propulsion for Aerospace
Evolito, headquartered in Oxford, England, is a privately held company that has established itself as a leader in the development of electric propulsion systems for aerospace applications. The company’s innovative solutions include axial flux electric motors, motor controls, and battery systems designed to deliver exceptional power, torque, and energy densities. Evolito’s electric propulsion technology is revolutionizing industries such as eVTOL, urban air mobility, and general aviation, and the company’s work with Flying Whales represents just one of many exciting projects in its growing portfolio.
With backing from investors such as B-Flexion and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), Evolito is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission of making electric flight a mainstream reality. The company’s groundbreaking technology is opening new doors for sustainable aviation, and its continued innovation will undoubtedly play a major role in shaping the future of air transport.
Conclusion: A Leap Toward Sustainable Aviation
The collaboration between Evolito and Flying Whales represents a bold step forward in the quest for sustainable aviation solutions. The integration of Evolito’s D250 electric propulsion system into the LCA60T airship is a powerful example of how electric flight can help address pressing environmental challenges while also transforming industries that rely on heavy cargo transport. With the LCA60T’s first test flight slated for 2027, this partnership marks the beginning of a new era in electric aviation, one where sustainability, efficiency, and innovation converge to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for global air transport.
As electric propulsion technology continues to evolve, the partnership between Evolito and Flying Whales will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in reshaping the aviation industry and helping to build a more sustainable and interconnected world.