VÆRIDION completes its first Pre-Application Contract with EASA
VÆRIDION, a Munich based manufacturer of all-electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, announced today that it has formally completed its first Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The final report concludes that the concept embedded in the Microliner’s multi-engine, single-propeller configuration is certifiable as a commercial passenger aircraft, marking a major milestone for the company and significantly de-risking the aircraft development project.
The company began its engagement with EASA in November 2023 through the pre-application services process and has since been working together with the authority to define the certification roadmap for its innovative single-propeller, multi-engine electric propulsion system, featuring a direct drive power transmission. The cooperation scope included an in-depth evaluation of the design, supported by key results from the sub-scale proof-of-concept bench test from earlier this year.
“We greatly value the opportunity provided by EASA through the introduction of the pre-application process. This initiative allows us to de-risk our innovative core technology and the path to certifying our 100% electric aircraft prior to submitting a type certificate application”, commented Vice President Engineering Markus Kochs-Kämper.
As the first General Aviation manufacturer to complete a Pre-Application Contract, VÆRIDION is setting the stage for certification-conforming prototype flights in 2027, with the first commercial flight targeted for 2030. The main outcome of this EASA collaboration project is that the full regulatory framework to certify this aircraft type and its key technologies already exists. It also documents that no show stopper has been identified to achieve certification under CS-23 framework.
“The primary goal of our innovative solution is to provide a higher level of safety during engine failure scenarios, bringing us closer to advancing sustainable, efficient air travel.”, said Head of Propulsion Douglas Costa. “While this was never truly feasible with internal combustion engines, the mechanical simplicity and compact design of electric engines enable us to achieve centerline thrust with multi-engine redundancy, without the drawbacks of a gearbox or additional propeller.“
“Through the PAC, EASA had the possibility to assess an unconventional design with proper focus on critical aspects and so to determine a preliminary certification basis that will allow for a quick start of the type investigation activities once the TC application is submitted,” Pasquale Violetti, EASA Project Certification Manager – General Aviation, said.
The collaboration between the aircraft manufacturer and certification authority exemplifies industry partnerships driving the transition to net-zero aviation.
From left to right: Dr. Nando van Arnhem (VÆRIDION), Salma Mrabet (VÆRIDION), Douglas Costa (VÆRIDION), Alain Leroy (EASA), Pasquale Violetti (EASA), Markus Kochs-Kämper (VÆRIDION), Dr. Sebastian Seemann (VÆRIDION), Boris Kölmel (Aircraft Design Certification), Giovanni Cima (EASA)
About the Microliner
The Microliner is an all-electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft that will transport 9 passengers, for distances up to 500 km. Designed for commercial operations under IFR conditions, the Microliner will connect decentralised regions, offering travellers significant time savings at competitive costs. Key innovations include wing-integrated modular batteries and multi-engine, single propeller propulsion system. Type certification and start of serial production of the Microliner are envisaged for by 2030.
