Rolls-Royce

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based global aerospace and technology company, specializes in the design, manufacturing, and sale of eVTOL aircraft with zero operating emissions with a primary focus on catering to the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. The company built and flew two prototype eVTOL aircraft in 2018 and 2019 and was developing and progressing toward the certification of its flagship eVTOL, the VX4. As of March 2023, the company had engaged with various regulatory bodies, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), to obtain certification, and claimed to be one of the only eVTOL designers and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) actively seeking certification from the CAA or the EASA for a winged aircraft.The VX4 eVTOL developed by Vertical Aerospace is designed to transport a pilot and accommodate up to four passengers, enabling travel distances of up to 100 miles at a cruise speed of 150 miles per hour. As of March 2023, the VX4 prototype had successfully completed piloted flight tests and was progressing to the next stages of the flight test program. These upcoming phases would involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds, as well as demonstrating the transition from vertical to horizontal flight. The company has invested in certain proprietary features of its aircraft, including the battery system and propeller design.Key customers and partnershipsThe company has collaborations with renowned aerospace and engineering companies like Rolls-Royce (electric propulsion unit), Honeywell (avionics and flight control), Microsoft (digital systems), GKN (wing), Leonardo (fuselage), and Solvay (composite materials). Vertical Aerospace would leverage their extensive R&amp;D expertise, which allows Vertical Aerospace to enhance its own capabilities, minimize operational risks, and streamline the certification process for its aircraft.As of March 2023, Vertical Aerospace had a pre-order backlog of more than 1,400 aircraft from a wide array of customers around the globe, opening up opportunities for market entry in the near future. The customer base includes renowned entities like American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow, Marubeni, Iberojet, FLYINGGROUP, Japan Airlines (JAL), Gol, Air Greenland, Gozen Holding, and AirAsia. Furthermore, Avolon's VX4 placements contribute to the expanding list of influential partners collaborating with Vertical Aerospace.

Eve Holding, Inc., a leading aerospace company with operations in Melbourne, Florida, and Brazil, is focused on developing next-generation Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions. Its UAM offering encompasses the design and production of eVTOLs, maintenance, and support services for its own and third-party eVTOLs, fleet operations services in collaboration with partners, and an advanced Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) system. The company is uniquely positioned to develop, certify, and commercialize its UAM solution on a global scale, with its aviation heritage, strategic partnership with Embraer S.A., extensive technology, and intellectual property portfolio.Eve's eVTOL aircraft has a seating capacity for four passengers and a pilot. Once autonomous flight is certified, it would be able to carry up to six passengers. Its unique lift + cruise design, combining fixed wings, rotors, and pushers, ensures safety, efficiency, reliability, and certification. With a range of 60 miles (100 km), Eve's eVTOL provides a sustainable transportation option with reduced noise levels, particularly during cruise. Eve has achieved significant milestones in the development of its eVTOL aircraft, including engineering simulations, subscale test flights, wind tunnel tests, and full-scale ground tests. These advancements have enhanced the technological capability and maturity of its eVTOL, with an expected entry into service in 2026.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31772">July 2024</a>, the company unveiled its first of six prototypes at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto flight test center in Brazil. The eVTOL is claimed to offer 10–15 decibel reductions, being 65% quieter than helicopters.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35135">October 2024</a>, Eve launched Eve TechCare, an aftermarket services portfolio for eVTOL operators. The portfolio covered all aspects of daily eVTOL operations, including aircraft health monitoring, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), entry into service support, and pilot and mechanic training.Key customers and partnershipsEve's partnership with Embraer grants Eve a royalty-free license to Embraer's intellectual property for use in the UAM market, access to skilled Embraer employees, and use of Embraer's global infrastructure. This strategic alignment provides Eve with cost and execution advantages for scaling its UAM solution worldwide.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28610">April 2024 </a>, Eve signed a letter of intent with Japan's largest public helicopter air charter service, AirX, to supply up to 50 eVTOL aircraft. In <a href="https://ir.eveairmobility.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/9/eve-partners-with-porsche-consulting-to-define-evtol-global">May 2022 </a>, The company partnered with Porsche Consulting, Inc. to help define the eVTOL supply chain, global manufacturing, and logistics macro strategy. In <a href="https://ir.eveairmobility.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/19/blade-and-eve-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand">September 2022 </a>, Eve Announced a strategic partnership with BLADE to expand the urban air mobility ecosystem in India, and further expanded partnership in <a href="https://yqqqphhcg2hvaaua-test001.pj-initial.net/updates/19530">June 2023 </a>to accelerate electric air mobility in Europe. In <a href="https://united.mediaroom.com/2022-09-08-United-Invests-Another-15-Million-in-Electric-Flying-Taxi-Market-with-Eve">2022 </a>, United Airlines made a USD 15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft plus 200 options, expecting the first deliveries as early as 2026. Further, in <a href="https://yqqqphhcg2hvaaua-test001.pj-initial.net/updates/19528">June 2023 </a>, the company announced a collaboration to bring first electric commuter flights to San Francisco. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26075">January 2024 </a>, Eve partnered with Thales, Honeywell, RECARO Aircraft Seating, and FACC to source supplies for its eVTOL aircrafts. The company signed up additional suppliers, Aciturri, a Spanish aerostructure developer, and Crouzet, a French mechatronic components developer, to source wings and pilot controls respectively in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26832">February 2024 </a>. During the same month, Eve signed up SkyScape, a Japanese vertiport development company as its 13th Urban ATM customer and sixth Urban ATM vertiport customer. Moreover, the company also signed an MoU with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26742">Yugo Global Industries </a>, a Singaporean aviation company, to explore the potential for UAM and eVTOL flights in Southeast Asia.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30249">June 2024</a>, Eve partnered with four additional suppliers KRD, Latecoere, RALLC, and Alltec for eVTOL aircraft components including windows, aircraft doors and fuselage components. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31897">July 2024</a>, Eve partnered with Siemens Smart Infrastructure to evaluate the electrical infrastructure and energy management needed for efficient eVTOL operations.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35598">November 2024</a>, Eve entered into a long-term partnership with Embraer-CAE Training Services to receive training for pilots, maintenance technicians, and ground crew involved in its eVTOL aircraft operations. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35661">November 2024</a>, Eve Air Mobility partnered with Revo to develop the advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem in São Paulo, Brazil.Funding and financialsIn May 2022, Eve was listed on the NYSE (EVEX) through a SPAC deal, where the newly combined business raised USD 337 million in gross proceeds to support the development, certification, and commercialization of Eve's UAM plans, including manufacturing, service and support, fleet operations, and air traffic management. In <a href="https://eveairmobility.com/united-invests-another-15-million-in-electric-flying-taxi-market-with-eve/">September 2022 </a>, United Airlines invested USD 15 million in post-IPO equity in the company.Eve recorded an EBIT loss of USD 189 million in 2022, primarily reflecting employee costs associated with the development and new warrant expenses. The company's R&amp;D costs of USD 52 million reflected a higher R&amp;D team headcount mainly related to eVTOL and UATM development, as well as higher engineering expenses contemplated in MSA agreements with Embraer S.A. (ERJ) and its subsidiary Atech.&nbsp;

Eve Air Mobility develops air mobility solutions to advance the urban air mobility ecosystem. Eve's system includes an advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle project, comprehensive global services and support network, and an air traffic management solution, providing clients with a safe, accessible, and green air mobility ecosystem.

Vertical Aerospace builds technology to revolutionize how people fly, by making air travel personal, on-demand, and carbon-free. Since its inception in 2016, Vertical Aerospace has grown to over 70 world-class engineers and technical experts, recruited from the likes of Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar Land Rover. In 2019 they launched its second aircraft, the Seraph, making the first company in the world to release flight footage of an aircraft capable of carrying 250kg.

Kowry Energy is an energy services provider. They offer to empower local, independent energy companies to accelerate their operations in serving businesses and communities with reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy access. The company specializes in project development, engineering, procuring equipment and financing, asset management, and energy access, thereby serving small and medium businesses with power at lower costs through hybridization.

Rolls-Royce is an industrial technology company that provides integrated power and propulsion solutions. Rolls-Royce is a power systems provider that designs, manufactures, and supports a range of products and services for air, sea, and land applications. From transportation and energy to the built environment, the company operates in some of the most intricate and crucial sectors of the global economy. The products and services offered by Rolls Royce help their clients connect people, societies, cultures, and economies. They also help meet the growing demand for power generation across numerous industries and allow governments to provide their armed forces with the necessary power to protect their citizens.

<div> Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG (NYSE: RR) is a world-leading provider of high-speed engines, propulsion systems, and power solutions based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The company was formed in 2011 as a joint venture between Rolls-Royce plc and Daimler AG, and has been fully consolidated into Rolls-Royce plc since January 2013. Rolls-Royce Power Systems employs over 9,000 people globally and operates under the mtu brand. Rolls-Royce Power Systems offers a diverse portfolio of products and services across several key segments: <ul> <li> Power Generation: The company provides diesel and gas generator sets for emergency, base-load and peak-load power requirements. It also offers microgrid solutions and battery energy storage systems to support the integration of renewable energy sources. </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Marine: mtu engines and propulsion systems are used in commercial ships, yachts, and naval vessels. The company recently acquired Team Italia Marine to extend its marine automation and bridge offerings. </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Defense: Rolls-Royce develops engines and power systems for military vehicles, aircraft, and submarines. It is involved in programs like AUKUS and the B-52 engine replacement. </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Industrial: The company supplies engines for mining equipment, locomotives, and other heavy industrial applications. </li> </ul> In 2023, Rolls-Royce Power Systems reported strong financial performance with revenues of EUR 4.56 billion, up 16% from 2022. The company saw particularly robust growth in its power generation segment, driven by demand for data center backup power solutions. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is investing in new technologies to support sustainability goals, including the development of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers, and engines compatible with sustainable fuels. The company aims to have its key engine series ready for sustainable fuels by 2023 and plans to offer CO2-free fuel cell power generation from 2025. </div>

Rolls-Royce hardwires inclusion into its systems

Companies that build eVTOLs that use rechargeable electric batteries (mostly lithium-ion) for propulsion. Batteries tend to be heavier and have lower energy density resulting in short vehicle flight-time and range.

Companies that build eVTOLs that use electricity and fossil fuels for propulsion to achieve a longer range. This hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine.

Companies that build eVTOLs that use hydrogen fuel cells for propulsion. Hydrogen fuel cells have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries and allow the aircraft to travel longer distances.

Providers of ground infrastructure (such as vertipads and vertiports), and air and digital infrastructure (such as navigation, flight controls, and other avionics for eVTOLs)

Using autonomous, green, IoT, and digital technologies to shape the future of ocean-based transportation

Shipping Tech

Software solutions that streamline the transportation process, including ocean-based shipping, from booking and tracking shipments to managing customs compliance and invoicing.

Technologies that improve the efficiency and productivity of ports and terminals, such as automated container handling systems, real-time monitoring of cargo and vessel movements, predictive maintenance systems, and port automation systems.

Developers of technologies for ships that can decrease carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption, and increase efficiency (this excludes autonomous and remotely operated ships).

Unmanned (either autonomous or remotely-operated) vessels that use AI and ML to navigate and perform various tasks, including cargo and passenger transport. Technology also includes systems that assist navigation by providing technologies such as collision avoidance and advanced perception.

Data analytics, sensors, and IoT devices that collect data on cargo, vessel, and environmental conditions to optimize shipping routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve safety. These software solutions may use data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize shipping operations.

Quantum information processing is slowly becoming a reality, ushering in a new technological era.

Quantum Computing

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<div>
 Riverlane, Xanadu, and Rolls-Royce are working together on a project known as "CATALYST" which seeks to leverage quantum computing for simulating airflow in jet engines. The project is financially backed by both Innovate UK and the National Research Council of Canada. A quantum-classical framework will be developed as part of CATALYST which will enable a classical computer to instruct quantum computers. This will help Rolls-Royce to rapidly evaluate and utilize new quantum algorithms. It will reduce lengthy work periods down to mere minutes and help Rolls-Royce accomplish a trillion computations. This aligns perfectly with the UK Government's quantum operation ambitions for 2035.
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