Airbility Inc. and Germany’s Schübeler GmbH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) propulsion systems for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) platforms.
The strategic partnership will focus on four key areas: customization of EDF products for Airbility’s eVTOL aircraft, joint research and development of next-generation EDF propulsion systems, collaboration on hybrid propulsion system integration, and engineering support for airworthiness certification. The agreement is intended to support Airbility’s expansion beyond its domestic technology base through collaboration with a European propulsion technology partner.
Founded in 2023 by former specialists from Hyundai Motor Company and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Airbility develops high-speed eVTOL aircraft for defense, public safety, and personal aviation applications. Its current portfolio includes the AB-U10 and AB-U60 platforms, designed for missions including Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) operations and disaster response. The company aims to combine vertical take-off and landing capability with high-speed cruise performance through proprietary system integration technologies.
Based in Bad Lippspringe, Germany, Schübeler develops high-performance aero propulsion systems for the aerospace, automotive, defense, and robotics sectors. Under the agreement, the two companies also plan to participate in joint international R&D programs between South Korea and Germany, building on an existing technical collaboration between the firms.
Jinmo Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of Airbility, stated, “Schübeler is a globally recognized specialist in EDF propulsion technology. By building on the product-level collaboration the two companies have accumulated, we will pursue full-cycle cooperation spanning joint R&D, new product development, and market expansion — laying the foundation for Korea’s high-speed eVTOL technology to enter the European market in earnest.”
Francois Gerner, Co-CEO of Schübeler, added, “Building on the collaborative experience we have developed with Airbility, this strategic partnership is a natural next step for both companies. Together, we will develop next-generation EDF solutions and set a new benchmark for the global eVTOL industry.”
