Vertical Aerospace selects Astronics for Valo power system

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has signed a long-term agreement with Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to a press release from the companies.

Under the agreement, Astronics will provide power conversion and distribution hardware that manages electrical power for critical aircraft systems, converting high-voltage power from the propulsion architecture into low-voltage power used by avionics, flight controls and other onboard systems.

Astronics hardware is already integrated into Vertical's piloted flight test aircraft, having supported the company through the prototype phase of development. The supplier will provide its CorePower system, which it describes as purpose-built for eVTOL applications.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: "Astronics brings deep expertise in aircraft electrical power systems and has already demonstrated its capabilities through our flight test programme. This agreement is another important step as we mature Valo's design, strengthen our supply chain and advance toward certification and commercial production."

Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, said the CorePower system "was designed from the ground up to meet aerospace certification standards, giving our customers a lightweight, compact solution that reduces integration risk and supports their path to type certification."

The announcement comes as Vertical advances toward Critical Design Review, which the company describes as establishing the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft ahead of certification-conforming production and testing.

Astronics joins a supplier group that includes Honeywell for flight control and aircraft management systems, Aciturri for airframe structures, Evolito for electric propulsion units, Hyundai WIA for landing gear, Syensqo for composite materials and Isoclima for transparencies.

Vertical Aerospace, headquartered in Bristol, UK, reports approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo aircraft from customers including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines.

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