Skyworks Aeronautics and Williams Advanced Engineering announce a strategic partnership to collaborate on the design, fabrication, and testing of Skyworks' eGyro electrically powered aircraft.

The Skyworks eGyro has been designed to leverage the fundamental safety and performance advantages of a gyroplane to create a runway independent system that provides a practical approach to intra and inter-city passenger transport. With an autorotating main rotor, which allows the aircraft to land safely with even a complete loss of power, the eGyro is fundamentally safe. Electrification of the powertrain has enabled innovative design solutions that are no longer restricted by conventional technologies.

"The eGyro re-envisions the gyroplane for the 21st century. The eGyro performance, efficiency, and unparalleled safety provide a compelling approach to Urban Air Mobility (UAM), remarked Skyworks' Chief Technology Advisor Don Woodbury. "The partnership with WAE will bring their amazing talents with aerodynamics and design as well as their electric powertrain capabilities to the eGyro and further our efforts to create a best-in-class UAM system".

With years of experience working with the likes of Airbus to develop the Zephyr record-breaking high altitude unmanned aerial system (UAS), as well as BAE Systems, on the electrification of future aircraft, WAE's credentials are perfectly suited to this project.

"We are excited to be partnering with Williams Advanced Engineering, born from Formula 1 racing, a globally recognised leader in advanced composites, electrification systems, and lightweight engineering, to develop our groundbreaking eGyro electric aircraft," stated John Michel, Skyworks' Chief Executive Officer. "Their past experience make them the perfect development and testing partner to make the promise of electrified gyro technology an exciting reality."

Paul McNamara, Technical Director, Williams Advanced Engineering said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Skyworks on this innovative project. Aerodynamics, lightweight advanced materials and electrification are core competencies for us – and we're looking forward to applying them to the eGyro, which seems set to redefine the gyroplane; bringing about a step change in aeronautical e-mobility."