GKN Aerospace and Vertical Aerospace have taken another step forward in their 2021 partnership in which Vertical chose GKN to provide the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and integration expertise for the first flying prototype of its VX4 all-electric demonstrator aircraft. Vertical expects the VX4, a piloted, zero emissions, four-passenger aircraft, to fly more than 100 miles, achieve a top speed of more than 200 mph, produce minimal noise, and generate a low cost per passenger mile.
Vertical Aerospace was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, also the founder of Ovo Group, an energy and technology group and Europe’s largest independent energy retailer. During the past nine months, the two companies have cultivated the development, integration, support, and delivery of EWIS, which includes the high-voltage, high-power interconnection system that runs power from the batteries to the VX4’s electric propulsion units.
“Building the VX4 requires great expertise and a pioneering spirit,” said Michael Cervenka, president of Vertical Aerospace. “Our partnership with GKN Aerospace...is providing the aerostructures and EWIS systems in the VX4, accelerating our development, and signifying great progress for electric aviation as a whole.”
John Pritchard, president of civil airframes at GKN, shared the sentiment. “This is a breakthrough moment in our step towards creating a sustainable future of flight," he said. "Companies like Vertical are a game-changer for our industry and are making zero-emission travel a reality today.”
The next step in a seemingly electric partnership will involve manufacturing and integrating the wing and EWIS for the VX4. Design and development has already begun, targeting Vertical’s VX4 entry into service in 2025.