SkyDrive partners with Duc Hélices for eVTOL composite rotors

Source | Duc Hélices Propellers 

Under its future vision for urban transportation in Japan, SkyDrive Inc. (Toyota, Japan), an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has started working with Duc Hélices Propellers (Frontenas, France) to develop rotors for its SkyDrive aircraft (SkyDrive Model SD-05).

Duc Hélices Propellers specializes in high-performance carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy propellers and rotors for airplanes, helicopters and multicopters. The company uses a high-precision, patented Forged Carbon manufacturing process to create robust blades that are complex in shape, with smooth surfaces and thin trailing edges, resulting in increased power, improved efficiency and reduced noise. The company is globally recognized for its commitment to aviation safety, with certifications from the EASA, FAA and other international authorities.

The SkyDrive, featuring a composite body and rotor frames by Toray Carbon Magic (Shiga, Japan), is a multi-rotor eVTOL aircraft propelled by 12 motors and three-bladed rotors. In such multi-rotor eVTOL configurations, the rotors are critically important components that generate lift and thrust, enabling precise control of the aircraft’s attitude and movement via individual rotor speed adjustments. This distributed propulsion system also significantly contributes to noise reduction, redundancy and overall flight safety.

By developing and using flight-critical rotors in collaboration with Duc Hélices Propellers, SkyDrive will accelerate the development and testing of safe aircraft. 

“Duc Hélices has already proven to be incredibly agile; leveraging their in-house expertise and partner capabilities, they delivered initial products within 4 months,” says Arnaud Coville, chief development officer of SkyDrive. “These products have achieved strong performance on our test rigs, marking a significant milestone in advancing our aircraft development toward type certification.”

SkyDrive began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. In 2019, SkyDrive flew a crewed eVTOL for the first time. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the U.S. to acquire certification for its product. The eVTOL aircraft is being produced at a facility owned by Suzuki Motor Corp., SkyDrive’s official production partner.