Vertical Aerospace has selected composites specialist Solvay to develop the main aerostructures for the fuselage and wing of its VA-1X eVTOL aircraft. A partnership agreement signed this week calls for Solvay’s engineering team to help the UK-based start-up complete the development of a full-scale flying prototype in time for a first flight in September 2021.
Belgium-based Solvay, which has extensive experience in providing structures for aircraft and for new eVTOL designs, is proposing a portfolio of thermoplastic composites, specialty polymers, structural adhesives, and functional films. The company also claims to have relevant experience with high-volume, low-cost production techniques that have already been applied in the automotive sector. It is a composite-structures supplier to aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Bell.
The all-electric VA-1X is due to complete type certification in 2024. With a pilot, the aircraft will carry four passengers on trips of up to 100 miles at speeds of 150 mph.
Other key suppliers for Vertical’s program include Honeywell, which is providing flight controls and cables; and connector manufacturer TE Connectivity.
