FutureFlight
Textron Changes Course on eVTOL Aircraft Plans, Confirming Nexus Is an Active Program
The U.S. group first revealed an early design for the Nexus eVTOL in 2019 and then unveiled a more advanced Nexus 4EX design in 2020.
Textron's Nexus 4EX eVTOL aircraft.
Textron's eAviation division has resumed the development of its Nexus 4EX eVTOL aircraft, which is projected to carry four passengers on trips of up to 60 miles. (Image: Textron)

Textron’s eAviation division is continuing work on its Nexus eVTOL prototype aircraft and is aiming for a first flight “in a couple of years,” according to division president and CEO Rob Scholl. This marks a change of course for the U.S. company, which previously indicated that it had dropped plans to bring the model to market.

For now, work is proceeding on the design and build of the latest iteration of the hybrid-electric aircraft Nexus 4 EX, which Textron unveiled in January 2020. A dedicated team within the new eAviation business unit based in Wichita is now leading the program, with support from colleagues from other Textron divisions, including Bell, Textron Aviation, automotive supplier Kautex, and newly acquired Slovenia-based light aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel.