South Korea-based hybrid eVTOL developer Plana and French carbon composite propeller and rotor manufacturer DUC Hélices Propellers are collaborating on innovative propulsion solutions for advanced air mobility, a partnership to design and produce high-performance, low-noise and efficient propulsion systems for Plana's CP-01 aircraft. The goal is to integrate the expertise of both companies in the development of AAM aircraft by collaborating over the entire process of propeller design, production, test and certification.

Most recently, DUC Hélices Propellers has signed a deal to provide its products to Eve, a VTOL developer listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in France with a presence in the US, DUC Hélices Propellers has more than 25 years of experience and expertise in the analysis, design, development, manufacture and maintenance of propellers, rotors, fans and other carbon composite aviation accessories, with experience gained through several aviation programmes.

This marks the second partnership announced by Plana at the Paris Air Show; CEO Braden J Kim and DUC Hélices Propellers CEO Duqueine Vincent formally marked their collaboration partnership in a signing ceremony there.

“Propulsion is crucial to the success of advanced air mobility,” says Kim. “We are pleased to partner with leading suppliers like DUC Hélices Propellers to create innovative solutions. I expect this partnership to accelerate the flight of the aircraft we are developing.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with Plana and support the development of this all-new hybrid VTOL,” adds DUC CEO Duqueine Vincent. “Plana's hybrid VTOL can play a key role in the transition to zero-emissions flight. We are honoured to be collaborating on this platform in alignment with our mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. DUC Hélices Propellers is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and high-rate manufacturing to this project, along with key technological innovations and expertise.”