GKN Aerospace is to work with German startup Vaeridion on advancing aerostructures and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for a clean sheet battery-electric microliner aircraft.
Vaeridion has offices in Germany and the Netherlands and was founded in 2021. It is developing a nine-passenger-plus-crew all-electric microliner aircraft to have a range of up to 500km (310 miles) for regional travel.
The aircraft’s batteries will be integrated into the wings of the aircraft and it will use an electrical multi-engine single propeller powerplant. Vaeridion plans to certify and deliver the aircraft this decade.
The aircraft will serve as a test case for new GKN electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) technology programs aimed at electrically powered aircraft. GKN Aerospace will also support Vaeridion with manufacturing expertise during the development of the airframe concept and electrical systems.
Arjen Landman, senior vice-president civil programs at GKN Aerospace said, “We are excited to work with Vaeridion on this innovative project and to push the boundaries of today’s technology. This collaboration combines GKN Aerospace’s expertise in aerostructures and EWIS with VÆRIDION’s innovative approach to electric flight. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing aviation and will help us support the development of next-generation, energy efficient aircraft.”
Ivor van Dartel, co-founder and CEO of Vaeridion said, “As a start-up OEM we are developing a clean sheet aircraft as well as the core propulsive battery technology in-house. To ensure we meet our objective of decarbonizing short haul flights before 2030, we are partnering with GKN Aerospace to accelerate the design of light weight Aerostructures and EWIS.
The partnership with Vaeridion was announced at the Farnborough Airshow last week, came after GKN said it is also partnering with battery-electric aircraft company H55 on the EWIS for the Swiss company’s B23 aircraft.
