US-based electric powertrain supplier Electric Power Systems (EPS) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Plana for the deployment of EPS’ battery system for Plana’s commercial hybrid eVTOL aircraft, which is targeted for commercialization in 2028.
Founded in July 2021, South Korea-based Plana is developing a hybrid eVTOL aircraft which can carry four to six passengers with one pilot and has a cruising speed of 300km/h (maximum 350km/h) and flight range of more than 500km.
Plana plans to finish the pure battery-based eVTOL subscale test this year and introduce a 700kg weight half-scale model next year. The company plans to launch a branch office in the US for closer communication and starting of the certification process with the FAA, and to participate in the Korean Grand Challenge UAM demonstration project organized by the Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT).
Plana is accelerating its Advanced Air Mobility business with collaboration and R&D expertise from numerous partners across the aerospace industry, such as Airbus, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Korea Aerospace Industries, and from the automotive industry, such as Hyundai Motor Company, Honda Motor Company, Mando, Autoliv, and Valeo.
“It is quite a meaningful moment for Plana to sign this Letter of Intent with EPS, which has established a reputation in the electric aviation industry for its expertise and reliable systems,” said Braden J. Kim, CEO of Plana Now.
EPS adds Plana to its list of customers which currently includes NASA, the FAA, Boeing, Safran, and Supernal. The company also provides its electric powertrain system to X-57, Boeing’s Cargo Air Vehicle, and Bell Helicopter’s hybrid Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, Bell Nexus.
“Plana has been named one of the top eVTOL development programs to watch,” said Nathan Millecam, CEO of EPS. “We are thrilled that the Plana team has put their trust in us and are excited for this exciting collaboration.”
