Parker Aerospace and Eviation are teaming up to develop Alice, the first all-electric commuter aircraft. Representatives from both companies, including Gregory Davis, president of Eviation, seventh from left, announced their partnership today at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England. Parker officials include Tom Williams, Parker Hannifin chairman and CEO, fifth from left; Austin Major, group vice president-business development and global support for Parker Aerospace, sixth from left ; and Roger Sherrard, Parker Aerospace president, second from right. 

A rendering of an Eviation Aircraft Alice commuter plane in flight.

Parker Aerospace and Eviation are teaming up to develop Alice, the first all-electric commuter aircraft. Representatives from both companies, including Gregory Davis, president of Eviation, seventh from left, announced their partnership today at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England. Parker officials include Tom Williams, Parker Hannifin chairman and CEO, fifth from left; Austin Major, group vice president-business development and global support for Parker Aerospace, sixth from left ; and Roger Sherrard, Parker Aerospace president, second from right. 

Arlington-based electric aircraft developer and manufacturer Eviation Aircraft has engaged Parker Aerospace, a business segment of Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin Corp., to develop six technology system packages for Alice, the all-electric commuter aircraft Eviation is developing in Snohomish County.

The companies made the joint announcement today from the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England.

The companies are now entering the design stage for the production and certification phase of Alice, which Eviation says will be the first all-electric commuter aircraft. Alice can accommodate nine passengers and is intended to offer reduced maintenance and operational costs for airlines while providing a smooth and quiet cabin experience for customers, according to the company.

A rendering of an Eviation Aircraft Alice commuter plane in flight.

Parker Aerospace will develop six technology systems for Alice that will be produced across all divisions within Parker Aerospace, as well as Parker’s Engineered Materials Group, including Parker Lord, according to today’s release. The work packages include:

- Cockpit controls: The human interface with the flight control system, consisting of sidestick, throttle, rudder control and switching devices.

- Electromechanical flap system: Featuring electromechanical actuators, electronic control units, and position sensors. The system will incorporate patented eSync technology, which uses a single electronics control unit to command multiple motor-driven actuators installed along the flaps on the wing, saving space and weight.

- Thermal management: Advanced water-cooling equipment for battery and electric propulsion unit heat management, as well as specialized thermal materials for the battery pack.

- Hydraulic powerpacks: For steering and braking systems, these miniature hydraulic systems provide efficient power that is localized. These include components like accumulators and hydraulic hose assemblies.

- Vibration and noise mitigation: Engine and inverter mounts for a hushed cabin environment.

- Sealing solutions: Elastomeric static and dynamic seal solutions such as a fire seal wall.

“Parker is a trusted supplier within the industry, and their solutions will enable us to bring the best all-electric aircraft into the market,” Gregory Davis, president of Eviation, said in the release.

Austin Major, group vice president-business development and global support for Parker Aerospace, added, “Parker Aerospace is committed to doing its part in working toward net zero carbon emissions. By collaborating with Eviation on the development of Alice, we’re able to take part in shaping the future of sustainable aviation. This significant opportunity marks an important step in the execution of Parker Aersospace’s electrification strategy which will improve motion control efficiency while helping customers achieve their environmental objectives.”

Parker Aerospace is a technology partner to aircraft manufacturers, providing flight control, hydraulic, fuel, inerting, fluid conveyance, thermal management, pneumatic, and lubrication systems and components for commercial, military, and business and general aviation aircraft, and engine makers. It’s part of Parker Hannifin, or Parker, a global provider of motion and control technologies that reported a record $14.35 billion in net sales in its fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.

John Stearns is a staff writer.

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