Japan’s SkyDrive has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research, development, and technical validation focused on key component technologies for eVTOL aircraft with six Singapore-based technology companies — Accuron Technologies, Heron Airbridge, HOPE Technik, KVI, Neo Aeronautics and Volt14 Solutions — at the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH).
The purpose of this MOU is to evaluate and advance joint research and development (R&D) focused on key component technologies — such as aircraft weight reduction, next-generation batteries, and flight operations management — as well as potential validation environments, through collaboration with these local technical partners, according to SkyDrive.
Under the MOU, SkyDrive will explore joint research and development with the following six Singaporean companies specializing in advanced technical fields. The companies are:
Accuron Technologies (https://www.accuron.com/) – Leveraging advanced metallic additive manufacturing expertise built in the aerospace sector to manufacture complex metal components that achieve both lightweight design and high safety standards.
Heron Airbridge (https://heron-airbridge.com/) – Conducting technical validation for real-time airspace monitoring and traffic management to build an operational environment where multiple aircraft can fly smoothly and safely.
HOPE Technik (https://hopetechnik.com/) – Utilizing rapid prototyping expertise gained through robotics and autonomous systems development to establish a framework for swiftly manufacturing, testing, and validating experimental components and aircraft.
KVI (https://kvi-battery.com/) – Evaluating and validating software technology that commands and controls safe, rapid charging directly from the battery cell and pack level rather than the charger itself, enabling continuous flight operations and efficient operational turnaround for eVTOL aircraft.
Neo Aeronautics (https://www.neo-aeronautics.com/) – Exploring joint efforts on operational testing, validation, regulatory certification of eVTOLs and regional business development.
Volt14 Solutions (https://volt14.com/) – Developing high-capacity battery cells using advanced silicon-based materials and evaluating lightweight, safe battery pack architectures optimized for eVTOL aircraft.
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