The weight of batteries is a major obstacle to the large-scale deployment of electric-powered aircraft. To provide a slimming diet for its aircraft cabin, Hart Aerospace turned to Quebec know-how.
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Without fanfare, MSB Group has been building ties with the Swedish start-up for about two years. It is a subsidiary of French group Sogeclair that was selected to supply parts for the cabin.
“Every book counts,” explained Billy Darvey, director of engineering at MSB, in a telephone interview. A pound more on the plane means a pound less for the passenger or luggage. This is critical. »
The company has a dual mandate to meet Heat Aerospace’s needs: find solutions to lighten the cabin, “without going too far” and delaying the program, Mr. Darvev emphasized.
“You have to be careful not to push too hard because the product has to start quickly,” he says. Hence we preferred some materials over others. Examples are thermoplastic materials. »
In Quebec, MSB Group already does business with major clients such as Bombardier and Airbus. Although the Swedish start-up is not its biggest customer, the ES-30 aircraft project has a special role, Mr. Darvey said.
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Billy Darvey, MSB Group Director of Engineering
“As a company, it’s rare to be involved in the emergence of a new aircraft program,” he points out. What Hart Aerospace likes about MSB is that we are flexible and used to working with big players. We can turn on a dime. »
The volume of work at the Sogeclair subsidiary is expected to increase in the coming months. Although the ES-30 prototype has yet to make test flights, the components should be ready. Engineering work is still to be done.
Although the assembly line is located in Sweden, it is MSB Group’s Montreal facilities that will benefit from the contract’s financial spinoffs. All components are manufactured in the company’s Quebec facilities, Mr. Darveau assured.
“We send them a kit that can be installed inside the cabin,” he said.
The latter considers the deal with Hart Aerospace as a calling card with other promoters of electric aircraft. “When it comes to designing electric aircraft interiors, we’re one step ahead of everyone else,” believes Mr. Darvey.
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