Equator Aircraft

Idea

Introduction

Equator is a Norwegian start-up company run by a small, agile team and consultants with eight years of experience designing and developing the P2 Xcursion prototype and the hybrid propulsion system used in the prototype.

The design process started as a diploma degree, and gradually grew into the novel prototype and propulsion system being tested by the company today. The process started in 2009, and construction commenced in 2011. The team completed the “proof of concept” prototype aircraft in 2017.

The company is specifically focused on prototyping unique aircraft, propulsion and mobility solutions that fit specific market niches identified by the company’s specialists. The products and services created by Equator are made available to stakeholders for production based on a regional license production program. This is in the process of being developed by the team, with the aim of producing > 150 planes per year in 2025.

Intended impact

The Equator team has closely monitored the market and its regulatory developments over the past ten years. In our opinion, the light aircraft market is ready for new innovation. This is because we believe that a significant part of the technical and ergonomic solutions currently available is based on outdated technology. This situation creates a ripe opportunity to take large market shares with modern aircraft and propulsion systems with a focus on improved user experiences. We believe the P2 aircraft could provide a paradigm change in the market as the utilitarian aspects of the product make it an enticing prospect for more people to become pilots.

To our knowledge, the P2 aircraft is the first amphibious aircraft to take advantage of the novel electric propulsion possibilities. We have created a "no-nonsense" aircraft that combines utility and performance in an innovative way. And coupled these properties with a simplified cockpit interface and a SUV cabin which makes the aircraft more flexible and usable than many other aircrafts.

Substantial accomplishments to date

The project was initiated as a diploma project at the Oslo School of architecture and design in 2010.

2011 - Start of physical construction.
2012 - Awarded state grant to develop hybrid propulsion system.
2012 - Engiro GmbH development of the EHPS (Hybrid System).
2013 - Attended the Oshkosh innovations pavilion as a team.
2015 - First bench runs of the hybrid system.
2016 - First Hybrid runs on the aircraft prototype.
2016 - Presented at the Sustainable Aircraft Symposium.
2017 - Prototype completed with exhibition at Aero Friedrichshafen.
2018 - High-speed taxi tests with jumps
2018 - received 4 letter of intent to order prototype kits, by clients on 3 continents.
2018 - Awarded Research Grant from the Norwegian Research Council.

Monetisation strategy

Equator plans to firstly produce the P2 Xcursion aircraft as a KIT version and license the aircraft to Hubs around the world for assembly. The idea entails creating a digital logistics and purchasing online warehouse.

Furthermore, we plan for the P2 platform to be widened to include UAV / UAS (drone) versions of the aircraft, that can carry up to 230kgs of payload.

We are also working on the development of electric and hybrid propulsion together with our partner Engiro GmbH. The sale and distribution of electric and hybrid drives for aircraft is also one route Equator aims to follow.

As the P2 settles in as both a manned and unmanned successful product, the concept can be highly scaleable, and Equator aims to produce larger electric aircraft on the same base idea. the P4, P6 and P8 are already on the drawing table.

Use of proceeds

We've built the proof of concept based on private (the founders) and state funding. We will solely use the raised capital to invest in the production model, the team and set up of tools for production. A production aircraft like the P2 Xcursion requires significant investment until a positive cash flow is reached. The detailed cost assessment for the production prototype and Equator HQ is detailed in the cost assessment budget for the next 3 years. But the main areas are outlined as such:

Production Parts and Tooling: 40%
Human Resources: 50%
HQ and workshop: 10%