GKN to produce wings and aerostructures of new electric air taxi
21st Sep 2021 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
GKN has signed an agreement with British eVTOL manufacturer, Vertical Aerospace, to produce the aerostructures, including the wings, for the VA-X4.
The company will also supply the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS).
GKN Aerospace designs and manufactures advanced aerospace systems and components for all major aircraft and engine manufacturers, supporting a range of platforms spanning the most-efficient passenger planes in the world to advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft.
The aerostructures and EWIS systems that GKN Aerospace will provide to Vertical will help improve the performance of the VA-X4 and contribute to lower costs, weight, and emissions.
With 41 aerospace manufacturing locations in 13 countries, GKN’s high-volume production capabilities will also help drive global production of the VA-X4, resulting in shorter production lead times and lower unit costs.
This important partnership sits within Vertical’s ecosystem of top-tier partners, which includes Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell and Solvay.
By working with innovative and accomplished technology and aerospace companies, Vertical says it has ensured it can accelerate its path to certification, de-risk execution, allow for a lean cost structure, and enable production at scale.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Vertical, said: “We are delighted that they are joining our unrivalled partner ecosystem. Their expertise in producing aerospace systems and structures will help the VA-X4 to meet the stringent safety standards mandated by the CAA and EASA, an essential step forward in our efforts to electrify flight.”
John Pritchard, President of GKN Aerospace’s civil business, said: “The rapid progress being made towards electric aircraft is a game-changer for the industry. GKN Aerospace has decades of experience as a leader in both aerostructures and EWIS and we are excited to use that expertise to accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation. Vertical has a great vision and we are proud that our technology can help bring that to reality and shape the future of flight.”
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