SkyDrive Partners with DUC Hélices to Develop Rotor for SKYDRIVE SD-05

SkyDrive is working to fulfil its mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution” and its vision of creating a future in which the general public, in Japan and around the world, use eVTOLs to meet their daily mobility needs.

DUC Hélices Propellers specializes in high-performance carbon composite propellers and rotors, combining expertise in aerodynamics and composite materials. DUC Hélices offers products for airplanes, helicopters and multicopters. The company is globally recognized for its commitment to aviation safety, with certifications from EASA, FAA, and other international authorities.

The SKYDRIVE multi-rotor eVTOL aircraft is 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 utilizing flight-critical rotors in collaboration with DUC Hélices Propellers, SkyDrive will accelerate the development and testing of safe aircraft. 

Comments
Arnaud Coville, Chief Development Officer of SkyDrive 
“I am very pleased to be working with DUC Hélices to develop and manufacture rotors for the SKYDRIVE SD-05. DUC Hélices has already proven to be incredibly agile; leveraging their in-house expertise and partner capabilities, they delivered initial products within four months. These products have achieved strong performance on our test rigs, marking a significant milestone in advancing our aircraft development toward type certification.”

Vincent Duqueine, President of DUC Hélices Propellers
“We at DUC Hélices are proud to be part of the SkyDrive adventure! Our rich history, spanning nearly 30 years of expertise in aeronautical composites, has prepared us to take on this major challenge. Developing rotors for SkyDrive’s eVTOL vehicle is an incredible opportunity to put our expertise to work for the future of air mobility.
The challenge is significant: designing and producing rotors that deliver performance while minimizing vibration and noise, making urban air mobility quiet and safe for all.
It’s a great recognition that SkyDrive has chosen us for this mission, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of this new mode of transportation. The future of aviation is underway, and we’re on board.“

About DUC Hélices  Propellers
Founded in 1997, DUC Hélices has established itself as a leading company in the field of aeronautics thanks to its unique expertise in the design, analysis, manufacturing, qualification, certification, industrialization and maintenance of Carbon Composite Propellers, Rotors and Accessories. The company stands out for its dual know-how in aerodynamics and composite materials, guaranteeing high-performance, silent and robust products. Beyond Aeronautics, DUC Hélices also puts its skills to the service of projects in the Aerospace sector, thus contributing to technological advances in this field.
For more information, please visit: https://www.duc-helices.com/en

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s latest eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025, with plans for further demonstration flights in summer. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/