Textron eAviation readies Nexus and Nuuva V300 for flight testing

There are more solutions than obstacles, Nicolas Zart

The Nexus Is taking Off Aferall

Textron eAviation is holding its promise by announcing that the Nexus eVTOL aircraft is moving ahead. Last year at Oshkosh, Robb Scholl, then CEO of Textron eViation and now President and CEO, of Textron Specialized Vehicles, told me that the company was still developing the Nexus, but no word since.

After acquiring the program from Bell, Textron quietly continued to develop Bell’s original work on the Nexus. Since then, the copay has diversified its portfolio focusing on electric aviation positioning itself as a powerhouse in the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry.

NBAA 2019: The Nexus eVTOL Takes Center Stage

The Nexus eVTOL aircraft first captured our attention at CES 2019. With its duct-fan design and potential operational capabilities, it sparked curiosity and excitement in the industry. However, the program’s future seemed uncertain, and many wondered if it was merely a concept rather than a viable eVTOL. Most of the engineers we spoke to failed to answer if this project would see the light of day. Today, Textron is betting on it.

Textron’s Strategic Moves: eAviation Unit & Acquisitions

Textron Inc.’s strategic moves to solidify its stake in this emerging market have been pragmatic and logical. After establishing the eAviation business unit in 2022, it brought over the Nexus program from Bell and has since provided the necessary resources for its development. Simultaneously, Textron acquired veteran electric aviation Pipistrel, integrating their innovative electric and conventional aircraft into their portfolio.

Pipistrel brings the Velis Electro to the Textron family, as well as the Panthera, originally stated into three variants, gas-only, hybrid, and pure-electric. The all-electric Velis Electro trainer airplane was the world’s first certified electric trainer, which I was privileged enough to see in action in 2018. I was impressed not having to tweak carburetors, idling quietly on the runway, and its climb performance besting similarly-sized Cessna aircraft. All of this gives Textron a solid foundation to compete well in the fledgling AAM industry.

Nexus eVTOL: Progress and Flight Testing

According to AIN, “The Nexus eVTOL aircraft is coming together at Textron eAviation’s Wichita headquarters as the company prepares to begin flight testing its hybrid-electric Nuuva V300 cargo drone.”

The Nexus eVTOL is now under the wing of Textron eAviation and according to the company’s recent updates, is “mating the aircraft’s wing with the fuselage,” according to Textron eAviation president and CEO, Kriya Shortt.

Our original 2019 encounter with the Bell Nexus eVTOL showed a spacious cabin with ample room for three to four passengers. Its rear door design enabled easy access for ambulance services and cargo operations. Textron eAviation says the aircraft will have a range of 100 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 120 knots. The Nexus is designed for urban air mobility (UAM), emergency services, cargo delivery, and special missions, among other tasks.

In a briefing at the company’s headquarters on May 1, 2024, Shortt said: “We really have been focused on various aspects of engineering it over the past two years and validating that engineering, and we’ve moved into the build process, … This is a pivotal year for us because pieces are starting to come together,”

Collaborating for Success at Textron: Bell and Pipistrel

Bell, a Textron subsidiary, contributes its expertise in tiltrotor technology, enhancing the Nexus’ performance. Meanwhile, Pipistrel brings its battery technology prowess to the table, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations in a collaborative effort.

Flight Testing and Beyond

Textron eAviation is on track to commence flight testing in early 2025 at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). They are also developing autonomous operations and ground control systems for the Nexus.

In parallel, the company is working on Pipistrel’s Nuuva V300 cargo drone, which is expected to flight test this year. The Nuuva V300 is a hybrid-electric, ultra-long-range eVTOL aircraft capable of carrying 660 pounds over 300 kilometers. Textron eAviation’s diverse electric aircraft portfolio now includes the Pipistrel Panthera, Velis Electro, Nexus eVTOL, Nuuva V300, and the Alpha Trainer, each designed for specific missions and markets.

A Leading Force in AAM: Textron’s Vision

With their well-diversified portfolio and strategic acquisitions, Textron eAviation is quietly laying the foundation to become a leading powerhouse in the AAM industry, quietly, efficiently, and pragmatically. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration positions them well to lead the industry over the next decades.