GKN Aerospace has signed a collaboration agreement today with Swiss company H55, a technological spin-off of Solar Impulse. 

H55 specialises in developing electric propulsion systems and batteries for electric and hybrid aircraft. The collaboration focuses on the design, development, certification, and industrialisation of EWIS for electric propulsion systems.

H55 has developed an Electric Propulsion System (EPS) that includes an Energy Storage System (ESS) comprising battery packs, battery management systems, and all interfaces, as well as an Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) featuring a motor and motor controller. The H55 EPS has already been integrated and flown in four different types of aircraft.

GKN Aerospace contributes its expertise and experience as a global first-tier supplier of electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS). GKN Aerospace has been at the forefront of developing innovative high-voltage, high-power EWIS solutions for electrically powered aircraft. 

This collaboration optimises the integration of H55's propulsion systems with GKN Aerospace's EWIS. GKN Aerospace and H55 will align their technologies to have electric distribution solutions timely available for joint customers. The alignment of the technology agenda will focus on the safe distribution of high voltage power lines throughout hybrid and all-electric aircraft. GKN will support this activity primarily from its facility in Papendrecht, The Netherlands, where the majority of its R&T and design activities for EWIS take place.

Arjen Landman, senior vice-president Civil Programmes of GKN Aerospace, said: “GKN is proud to be working with H55, a company that is pioneering the path toward sustainable aviation. GKN has doubled down on developing innovative high-voltage, high-power EWIS solutions for hybrid and all-electric aircraft. Through this collaboration, we are excited to apply these solutions to several electric propulsion systems in the industry.”

Martin Larose, CEO of H55, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with GKN Aerospace, a leader in the aerospace industry, to advance the development of electric propulsion systems. This partnership will leverage our expertise in electric propulsion and battery systems alongside GKN Aerospace’s innovative EWIS solutions. Together, we aim to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation, ensuring safe and efficient high-voltage power distribution for hybrid and all-electric aircraft.”

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