GKN Aerospace and VÆRIDION sign Technology Collaboration on All-Electric Microliner Aircraft
- GKN Aerospace and VÆRIDION have entered a technology collaboration on aerostructures and EWIS for the VÆRIDION all-electric microliner aircraft
- The VÆRIDION aircraft will serve as a use case for innovative EWIS technology programmes aimed at electrically powered aircraft
- Partnership highlights the commitment of both companies to the development of sustainable aviation technologies
GKN Aerospace has signed today at Farnborough a new technology collaboration with German start-up VÆRIDION, focused on advancing aerostructures and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for VÆRIDION’s all-electric microliner aircraft.
VÆRIDION is pioneering the development of a nine-passenger-plus-crew all-electric microliner aircraft designed for distances up to 500 kilometres. The aircraft will serve as a use case for innovative EWIS technology programs aimed at electrically powered aircraft, pushing the boundaries of current aerospace capabilities.
GKN Aerospace will bring its extensive multi-technology and manufacturing expertise to support VÆRIDION in airframe concept and electrical systems studies. This includes leveraging GKN Aerospace’s renowned experience in lightweight aerostructures to optimise the design and functionality of the microliner’s airframe, ensuring the highest standards of performance and efficiency.
“We are excited to work with VÆRIDION 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”, said Arjen Landman, Sr. Vice-President Civil Programs at GKN Aerospace.
VÆRIDION’s microliner is aiming to revolutionise regional air travel by offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally-friendly transportation solutions.
Ivor van Dartel, Co-Founder & CEO of VÆRIDION, added, “We are equally excited to sign this new technology collaboration with GKN Aerospace. 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, as we benefit from GKN’s experience and capabilities for these core work packages in the Microliner Programme.”
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Their unrivalled products, systems, and services are integral to 90% of today’s commercial and defence aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.
GKN’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology is evident in the application of lightweight composites, additive fabrication, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and groundbreaking engine systems, reducing both weight and cost in today’s aircraft and engines. GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable technology, developing breakthrough solutions to achieve emission-free flight. GKN’s global technology centres collaborate with industry partners around the world to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight.
Operating in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace employs a workforce of 16,000 employees across more than 30 locations. GKN Aerospace has global sales of £3.4bn and is listed under its parent company name Melrose Industries PLC (LSE:MRO).
About VÆRIDION
VÆRIDION is a start-up OEM that is accelerating the green transformation of aviation with a small electric aircraft that will be certified and delivered before 2030. The 100% battery-electric Microliner aircraft, which with its groundbreaking, energy-efficient design will be a crucial contribution to the aviation industry’s transition to zero-emission flights. VÆRIDION has it’s headquarter in Munich, Bavaria as well as an office in Delft, South-Holland.
About the Microliner
The Microliner is an electrical conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft that will transport 9 passengers over up to 500 km range. The Microliner is designed for commercial operations under IFR conditions. It will operate between decentralized regional cities and metropoles saving the traveller precious time at competitive travel cost. The Microliner is a clean sheet design that is optimized for energy efficient flight. Main novel technologies are the wing-integrated modular batteries and an electrical multi-engine single propeller powerplant.
