Eve Air Mobility, the Embraer-backed developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has selected Safran Electronics & Defense to supply the inertial navigation system for its next-generation platform.
Each eVTOL aircraft will be equipped with two of Safran’s SkyNaute inertial navigation systems.
The system is based on the company’s hemispherical resonant gyroscope technology, enabling autonomous navigation without continuous reliance on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
This capability is crucial for eVTOL operations in urban environments, where satellite signals can be obstructed by buildings or affected by interference.
Safran said the system was originally developed for both defense and conventional aviation applications before being adapted for emerging civil aviation platforms such as eVTOL aircraft.
“Integrating an advanced navigation solution like SkyNaute is essential to maximizing the safety, reliability, and performance of our eVTOL,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility.
“Leveraging Safran’s renowned expertise in inertial navigation, we strengthen our aircraft’s architecture and reinforce our commitment to delivering a robust, certifiable solution for the urban air mobility market.”
Next-Gen eVTOL Aircraft
The announcement comes as Eve Air Mobility continues to advance its flight-test campaign, having recently completed the hover and low-speed flight phase with its full-scale eVTOL prototype at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto test center in São Paulo state, Brazil.
According to the company, the aircraft has accumulated nearly 2.5 hours of flight time as it progresses toward certification.
Powered entirely by electric propulsion, the eVTOL is designed to enter service with a pilot on board while retaining the capability for future uncrewed operations.
Its lift-and-cruise architecture combines dedicated rotors for vertical take-off and landing with fixed wings for forward flight.
The aircraft will have a range of up to 60 miles (100 kilometers), supporting short-distance urban transport missions.
