Hanwha Aerospace, a South Korean manufacturer of aircraft engines and advanced machinery, has entered into a partnership with Vertical Aerospace to collaborate on various aspects of the design, testing, manufacturing, and supply of a tilt and blade pitch control system for Vertical's VX4 electric aircraft.
This collaboration began with a contract signed between the two companies last year, which focused on the development of Electro-Mechanical Actuation (EMA). However, during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2023), the scope of their agreement was significantly expanded.
With this newly signed agreement, Hanwha will now be responsible for overseeing all actuation systems for Vertical's VX4, a four-passenger air taxi. This comprehensive task encompasses the design and mass production of propeller tilt and pitch change mechanisms, which are crucial for the performance of the VX4 aircraft.
"The strong relationship between the two companies has been firmly established by participating in the development of EMA and demonstration aircraft,"said Jae-il Son, the CEO and President of Hanwha aerospace. "The expansion of our business with Vertical to include a top electric actuator system is excellent as Hanwha has been recognized for our competitiveness in system technology in the future mobility field."
“There has been an opportunity to cooperate with Hanwha in the development of our prototype VX4s that will continue through to the production aircraft; it started with the development of EMA, and now our partnership has deepened by expanding to critical aircraft mechanical systems.” said Michael Cervenka, CTO of Vertical Aerospace.
Vertical Aerospace is currently developing the VX4 aircraft, a four-passenger vehicle intended for Type Certification by the end of 2026. The company has received more than 1,400 orders from global customers, including major names like American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, JAL, Avolon, Bristow, and Kakao Mobility.
Hanwha's objective is to achieve the most rigorous global airworthiness certification standards for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft by developing and supplying mass-production actuation and mechanical systems.
Their partnership began with EMA development and has since evolved to include the design of a Blade Pitch Mechanism for Vertical's second prototype aircraft. This progression has now expanded to encompass the blade pitch control system and the tilt system, both of which are vital for the successful implementation of EMA technology.
In the eVTOL aircraft sector, actuation and mechanical systems play a critical role, with blade pitch control and tilt systems being integral components for maintaining stable flight control. The application of tilt systems in this emerging field of eVTOL aircraft is innovative, demanding a high degree of innovation and research and development.
Vertical Aerospace's advanced VX4 prototype, currently under assembly in the United Kingdom, will incorporate Hanwha's technology. In early 2024, the next demonstrator aircraft will take flight in the United Kingdom, showcasing the results of their collaboration.
