Evolito is supplying its advanced D250 electric propulsion motors to Flying Whales for integration into the company’s LCA60T, a next-generation heavy-lift airship designed to transport up to 60 tonnes of cargo.
This collaboration advances sustainable air transport by combining advanced electric propulsion with innovative airship technology to reduce emissions and expand logistics capabilities in remote areas.
The LCA60T, a 200-meter-long airship, is set for its first test flight in 2027. Engineered to handle oversized and heavy payloads, it provides a practical solution for regions with limited infrastructure. By leveraging Evolito’s lightweight, high-performance electric motors, Flying Whales aims to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional freight transport.
Evolito’s D250 motor was chosen for its exceptional power density, producing 240kW peak power while weighing just 13kg. Each airship will feature 32 of these high-efficiency motors. Flying Whales also selected Evolito for its ability to scale production to meet future manufacturing demands.
With industry-leading electric propulsion technology, Evolito continues to push aerospace innovation. Having secured Design Organisation Approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority in 2023, the company is now working towards POA and ISO9001 certifications, streamlining compliance processes and optimizing costs for Flying Whales.
Vincent Guibout, CEO of Flying Whales, said, “When designing an airship, weight is critical. In the three years we have been working together, Evolito has demonstrated the ability to deliver best in class power density from its unique axial flux electric motors along with the ability to ramp production to meet our forecast requirements. There is an excellent synergy between our teams – we share the same passion for enabling electric flight through engineering excellence and innovation – and I look forward to working with Evolito towards the first LCA60T flight and beyond into production and commercial operation.”
Dr. Chris Harris, Evolito CEO and Co-Founder, added, “Flying Whales’ LCA60T airship is a truly inspirational aircraft, demonstrating that electric flight can help solve global challenges – from reducing harmful emissions to delivering critical infrastructure sustainably. Evolito’s unique axial-flux technology enables a new class of lightweight, compact and high-performance electric motor, opening up many new aircraft designs, mission profiles and use-cases -setting new standards in electric propulsion for Aerospace.”
