GKN Aerospace will use Vaeridion’s all-electric, nine-passenger regional airliner as a testbed for developing new electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) technology. The company announced the collaboration on July 25, along with a similar partnership with electric propulsion system developer H55.
German start-up Vaeridion is developing what it calls a Microliner to operate on routes of up to 272 nm, operating in IFR conditions. The company aims to achieve type certification before 2030 and said it will serve smaller cities. The aircraft will feature modular batteries integrated into the wing and a multi-engine, single-propeller powerplant.
GKN’s work on the program will be conducted at its Papendrecht facility in the Netherlands. Vaeridion is based near Munich and also has a Dutch office at Delft. GKN will also support Vaeridion in designing lightweight aerostructures.
H55 is developing electric propulsion systems for new electric and hybrid aircraft. The Swiss-based company is a spin-off from Solar Impulse, which flew a solar-powered aircraft around the world.
The company’s propulsion system includes an energy storage system, comprising battery packs, battery management systems, as well as a motor and motor controller. The company said the equipment has already been flown and integrated into four different types of aircraft, including the B23 Energic two-seater.
GKN has experience in developing high-voltage, high-power EWIS for electric aircraft, including Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL vehicle. In September 2023, it started working with Pratt & Whitney to develop an EWIS package for the hybrid-electric flight demonstrator project being led by Raytheon Technologies to develop more fuel-efficient powertrains for regional airliners.