Breaking reliance on overseas suppliers for high-speed eVTOL core components, securing domestic technological capabilities Laying the foundation for technological independence through localization of key components… Vision for a fully domestic aviation solution
Future advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions company Airbility (Co-CEOs Jinmo Lee and Taekyu Ryu) announced that it has officially launched a follow-up R&D project titled “Development of Design Technology for Electric Ducted Fans for Next-Generation Lightweight eVTOL Aircraft” through the Public Technology Discovery and Matching Program of the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA). Participants in the project include Airbility, E-Powertrain Korea (electric motor development), and Sejong University (ducted fan design and analysis), with the Korea Light Aircraft Research Association serving as the lead organization.
The Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) is a core device that generates thrust for high-speed eVTOL aircraft. Until now, such fans had to be imported at high cost from countries like Germany and the United States for integration into aircraft. With this project, domestic design and production will become possible, paving the way not only for reduced aircraft manufacturing costs but also for strengthening the foundation of technological independence in Korea’s aviation industry.
The research team aims to design an 80 kW-class EDF for a next-generation 1.3-ton vertical take-off and landing aircraft, while producing a scaled-down 15 kW prototype for ground testing and flight evaluation. By first verifying performance and safety with the smaller model, the team plans to expand development toward full-scale, large components.
Airbility has already accumulated experience in aircraft integration through its self-developed “AB-U60” unmanned VTOL aircraft. With this localization effort, the company aims to secure core components with domestic technology and present its vision for building a fully domestic aviation solution.
Airbility’s Deputy CEO Minyoung Ahn stated, “The ducted fan is not just a component but a core technology that determines aircraft performance, noise, and efficiency. Through this research, we aim to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and strengthen our competitiveness in the global eVTOL market.”