Urban air mobility is one step closer to reality, as Eve Urban Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, prepares to launch its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Integral to the project’s safety architecture is Safran Electronics & Defense Beacons, which will equip all Eve vehicles with its state-of-the-art Ultima-AF distress emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
“This is an exciting collaboration,” said Frédéric Ménard, Program Director at Safran Electronics & Defense Beacons. “We’re proud to be part of this bold adventure.” The partnership builds on a strong foundation—Safran has previously worked with Embraer on the Phenom, Praetor, and E2 programmes, delivering civil ELT systems that have proven their reliability and performance.
The Ultima-AF ELT has been selected for its advanced safety features and engineering. Weighing only 1.6 kg, the beacon is compact and easily mounted to the aircraft’s fuselage. It forms part of the latest Cospas-Sarsat generation (C/S T.018 and C/S T.021) and complies with EASA and FAA standards. Its lithium battery provides long life and robust performance, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C. Certification is expected by 2026.
Prototype deliveries of the beacon are scheduled for this year, with full series production beginning in 2026.
The system functions automatically or manually, depending on the situation. It can be activated manually from the cockpit or automatically on impact via a 6-axis acceleration sensor. Once triggered, it transmits a distress signal on three frequencies. The main 406 MHz signal is relayed to orbiting satellites for 24 hours, while 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz frequencies transmit locally for 48 hours. The signals are then decoded by Local User Terminals (LUTs) and forwarded to Mission Coordination Centers (MCCs), which activate national or local emergency services to initiate rescue operations.
As eVTOL technology advances toward commercial viability, the inclusion of reliable safety equipment like Safran’s Ultima-AF ELT is a key milestone in ensuring passenger protection in the skies of tomorrow.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: SAFRAN
