In a sky full of polished jets, the Evo stands out like a rebel. Its design? The grill beneath the propellers curls up like a mischievous mustache. Those cockpit windows? They arch like raised eyebrows, daring you to hop in and chase the horizon. This isn’t just a plane; it’s an adventure waiting to happen, a craft designed with the kind of personality that challenges the world of aviation to evolve.
Written by Maxim Sorokopud
A word that almost, but not quite, describes the Evo is cartoonish—the reason why can be hard to detect initially. Then, a familiar image shines through. The curve of the grill underneath the propeller blades gives the impression of a mustachioed smile. This and the frowny eyebrow-like shape of the cockpit window subtly convey vast amounts of character that, say, 747s never could. Essentially, the plane is smirking, challenging all who see it to take to the skies in search of adventure.
Much like the My Falco Moscata superyacht featured in this issue, the Evo is the result of cross-nation collaboration. Until recently, there were two light aircraft on the market named Evolution: JMB Aircraft’s two-seater VL3 Evolution and US entrepreneur Robert Wolstenholme’s four-seater kit-built Evolution. In 2022, JMB Aircraft and Wolstenholme decided to partner up, realizing that together, they could improve the overall quality of their products. Basically, they agreed that, by joining forces, they could evolve the Evolutions. This collaboration primarily consists of Wolstenholme reworking the vehicles through conducting research and design, with JMB Aircraft applying its manufacturing expertise to these proposed improvements.
JMB Aircraft’s two-seater Evolution model, which is now referred to solely as the VL3, is still on the market. Yet those looking for superior performance should only consider the four-seater Evolution, now renamed the Evo, as it offers a number of advantages in addition to the two extra seats. For example, the Evo comes with a 750 horsepower engine, while the most powerful VL3 has a 160 horsepower engine. Similarly, the Evo’s fuel tank has a capacity of 168 gallons (635 liters), while the VL3’s maximum fuel capacity is just 37 gallons (140 liters).
The bones of the interior design can only be discussed because, as JMB Aircraft proudly boasts, “Every cabin is custom upholstered to your design and desires.” Unless a customer has an incredibly idiosyncratic request, the four chairs that fill the Evo cabin have incorporated generous amounts of legroom. It’s just about possible for the two passengers at the aircraft’s rear to tilt their chairs far back enough to feel as if they were lying down, as long as they aren’t unusually tall individuals. Technically, this cabin may not meet the standard that someone who always flies in first or business class would demand, but anyone else will be delighted with the space. Again, this refers strictly to the layout of the cabin. Anyone who is offended by the decor of any individual Evo should know that this is a reflection of the original purchaser’s customized taste, with JMB Aircraft personnel merely following instructions!
Since 2007, JMB Aircraft has grown from a light aircraft reseller to a trendsetting aviation innovator. The company prides itself on effectively upgrading its aircraft time and time again. In 2022, the company marked a new era by partnering with Robert Wolstenholme’s Evolution Aviation company.