We’ve published a deeper look at Archer’s recent Salinas–Monterey intercity flight and what it means for the continued development of Midnight.

Rather than simply recapping Archer’s announcement, we wanted to look at the broader story behind the flight, how Archer got to this point, what the demonstration actually shows, how it connects to the company’s plans for eIPP and future Midnight operations, and what questions remain.

Article: Archer’s Story Continues: Salinas Intercity Flight to Monterey

I’d be interested in hearing what others think the flight actually demonstrates, particularly regarding the path from these intercity demonstrations to eventual passenger operations.

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By eVTOL buzz Team

 July 3, 2026

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has selected U.S.-based aerospace electronics manufacturer Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to provide the low-voltage electrical power distribution system for its next-generation Valo eVTOL aircraft, strengthening the supplier network behind the company’s certification programme.

While propulsion systems often attract most of the attention from the press, investors, and the advanced air mobility (AAM) community, low-voltage power distribution is equally critical to an electric aircraft. The system is responsible for delivering power to avionics, flight controls, navigation equipment, lighting, communications, and other onboard systems, while protecting the aircraft’s electrical architecture from faults. As eVTOL designs become increasingly dependent on electrically powered systems, reliable power management is an essential part of the certification process.

Astronics will supply its CorePower® electrical power distribution technology, which converts high-voltage energy from the aircraft’s propulsion batteries into the lower-voltage power required by the aircraft’s systems. The company has already supported Vertical’s VX4 prototype flight-test programme, making this latest agreement a natural progression from prototype development to production-ready hardware.

The announcement is another example of Vertical’s strategy of partnering with established aerospace suppliers as it advances the Valo programme. Over the past year, the company has assembled a supplier base that includes Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Hyundai WIA, Syensqo, and Isoclima, each responsible for key aircraft systems.

Supplier selection has become an increasingly important measure of maturity across the eVTOL industry. Rather than developing every subsystem in-house, manufacturers are increasingly turning to experienced aerospace companies with established certification track records. The approach reduces technical risk and can help streamline certification by leveraging proven technologies wherever possible.

For Vertical, the Astronics agreement comes as the company continues work toward Critical Design Review (CDR), one of the final engineering milestones before certification-conforming aircraft enter production and flight testing.

Although the announcement focuses on a single subsystem, it represents another important piece falling into place as the Valo programme matures. As certification efforts accelerate across the industry, supplier announcements like this are becoming less about individual components and more about demonstrating that an aircraft programme is steadily transitioning from development to industrialisation.

>“Building a certifiable aircraft requires not only breakthrough technology, but also a world-class supplier ecosystem. 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.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace

>“Astronics is proud to be working with Vertical Aerospace as the supplier of their power distribution system for the Valo aircraft. Our CorePower® system is purpose-built for eVTOL applications, combining high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution delivering reliable, fault-protected power to flight-critical systems including avionics, flight controls, and navigation. CorePower 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. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Vertical team through CDR and Valo’s entry into service.” – Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems

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Vertical Aerospace

• Headquartered in Bristol, England 
• NYSE: EVTL
• Established in 2016
• Founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick (founder of Ovo Energy and former owner of F1 Manor Racing team)
• CEO: Stuart Simpson
• Former Chairman: Dómhnal Slattery
• Manufacturer of Valo all-electric eVTOL
• Plans for future hybrid-electric powered eVTOL capable of 1,000 mile range
• Headquartered in Bristol, England 
• NYSE: EVTL
• Established in 2016
• Founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick (founder of Ovo Energy and former owner of F1 Manor Racing team)
• CEO: Stuart Simpson
• Former Chairman: Dómhnal Slattery
• Manufacturer of Valo all-electric eVTOL
• Plans for future hybrid-electric powered eVTOL capable of 1,000 mile range

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Astronics Corporation

• Headquartered in East Aurora, NY, USA
• NASDAQ: ATRO
• Founded on December 5, 1968
• Chairman, President and CEO: Peter J. Gundermann
• Products:
  • Power Systems
  • Connectivity & Data
  • Lighting
  • Test Solutions
  • Safety Systems
  • Interior & Seat Solutions
  • Services
• Industries:
  • Business Aviation
  • Commercial Aviation
  • Defense
  • eVTOL Systems
  • Mass Transit
  • Rotorcraft
  • Space Systems
  • VIP Aircraft
• Subsidiaries
  • Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems
  • Astronics AeroSat
  • Astronics Ballard Technology
  • Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification
  • Astronics Custom Control Concepts
  • Astronics DME
  • Astronics Luminescent Systems Inc
  • Astronics PECO Inc
  • Astronics PGA
  • Astronics Test Systems

Vertical Aerospace’s Valo in Manhattan, which was the debut location for Vertical’s U.S. tour (Photo by eVTOL buzz)

Valo (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

Valo by Vertical Aerospace

• 100 mile range
• 150 mph top speed
• Up to 6 passengers
• Airliner-level safety certification in 2028
  • Airliner-level safety standards (UK/EU 10-⁹; CAA/EASA, SC-VTOL Category Enhanced)
• Quiet performance (<50 dBA in cruise)
• Room for six cabin bags and six checked bags
• 550 kg / 1,200 lbs total payload
• 1,500+ pre-orders globally

https://reddit.com/link/1umgjk8/video/hrwz1fisb1bh1/player

CorePower® aircraft power distribution systems

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https://reddit.com/link/1umgjk8/video/9q4l9w4w11bh1/player

**CorePower******^(®) aircraft power distribution systems

• Up to 20× greater system reliability than traditional mechanical circuit breaker systems.
• Up to 30% less wiring weight, helping reduce aircraft empty weight.
• Up to 60% less power dissipation, improving electrical efficiency.
• Enhanced electrical safety through parallel arc-fault protection.
• A solid-state electrical architecture that replaces many traditional electromechanical components.
• Lower installation and maintenance costs, reducing total lifecycle costs.
• Simplified cockpit systems through intelligent power management and automation, helping reduce pilot workload.

Although neither Vertical Aerospace nor Astronics has disclosed the exact CorePower configuration that will be installed on Valo, Astronics’ technology is designed to replace many traditional electromechanical electrical components with an intelligent, distributed solid-state power management architecture. According to Astronics, the system can deliver up to 20× the reliability of conventional mechanical circuit breaker systems while reducing wiring weight by as much as 30%, decreasing wasted electrical power by up to 60%, and providing advanced features such as parallel arc fault protection and integrated system automation. For an eVTOL aircraft like Valo, where every kilogram saved can improve payload, range, or overall efficiency, these weight reductions could offer a meaningful advantage. Higher system reliability and enhanced fault protection are also critical as manufacturers work toward meeting the stringent safety and certification requirements of regulators such as EASA. The technology may also reduce maintenance requirements and lifecycle costs while simplifying cockpit operation through greater system integration. Astronics’ electrical power technologies have already been flown aboard Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 flight-test aircraft, providing operational experience that should help de-risk the transition to the certification-conforming Valo programme.

Electronic Circuit Breaker Units (ECBUs): Part of Astronics’ CorePower ecosystem, these solid-state devices distribute and protect electrical power throughout the aircraft, replacing traditional mechanical circuit breakers while enabling improved reliability, fault protection, and reduced wiring complexity.

Example of CorePower® products:

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**CorePower******^(®) 1426 Series Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit (ECBU)

• Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit (ECBU – 1426 Series): A solid-state DC power distribution and protection unit that replaces conventional thermal mechanical circuit breakers and can also function as a load switch, enabling more distributed electrical architectures in aircraft.
• Distributed installation architecture: Designed to be placed closer to electrical loads, reducing wiring length, lowering aircraft weight, and decreasing installation complexity and labor costs.
• Advanced circuit protection: Provides protection superior to thermal breakers with standard I²t trip behavior, instantaneous trip capability, and parallel arc-fault protection to improve electrical safety.
• Intelligent electrical monitoring: Integrates bus voltage and current sensing with continuous system monitoring to support fault detection and improved situational awareness.
• Digital control and communication: Uses dual redundant RS-485 communication buses to enable control, status reporting, and real-time electrical data exchange across the system.
• Highly redundant architecture: Includes dual redundant processors and auxiliary power supplies to improve system resilience and operational reliability.
• High data integration capability: Supports multiple discrete, analog, and relay-based inputs and outputs for broader aircraft system integration and control flexibility.
• High-density power distribution: Each unit can support up to 45 circuit breakers, enabling compact and scalable DC secondary power distribution.
• Aircraft electrical performance: Operates on 28VDC systems with a continuous current rating of 300A.
• Safety and reliability features: Includes arc-fault protection, extensive built-in test functionality, and a flight-proven design with over 10 million failure-free flight hours.

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**CorePower******^(®) 1448 Series 28 VDC or 115 VAC Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit (ECBU)

• CorePower 1448 Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit: A solid-state AC/DC power distribution unit that replaces traditional thermal mechanical circuit breakers and can also function as a load switch.
• Dual-voltage capability: Supports both 28 VDC and 115 VAC aircraft electrical systems within a modular architecture.
• Distributed protection architecture: Places circuit protection closer to electrical loads, helping reduce wiring length, system complexity, and overall aircraft weight.
• Advanced solid-state protection: Includes standard I²t trip functions, instantaneous short-circuit protection, and parallel arc-fault detection for improved electrical safety.
• Digital system monitoring: Provides real-time data on breaker status, current, and voltage via redundant RS-485 communication buses.
• Redundant control architecture: Features dual control power inputs and multiple layers of system redundancy for higher reliability.
• Highly configurable system design: Supports modular expansion from 1 to 30 ECB cards, with AC and DC cards able to operate within the same chassis.
• Flexible load management: Allows programmable breaker ratings across both AC and DC outputs for adaptable aircraft integration.
• Built-in safety and testing: Includes continuous self-test capability and lightning protection up to Level 4 standards.
• Operational benefits: Designed to improve reliability, reduce installation complexity, lower maintenance costs, and increase overall electrical system efficiency in aircraft applications.

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Both VX4 prototypes (G-EVTA and G-EVTB) – (Image Courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

VX4 prototype (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

VX4 Full-scale Prototype

• VX4: Vertical Aerospace’s piloted four-seat eVTOL flight-test aircraft
• Purpose: Used to test and validate key technologies before certification of Valo
• Role in development: Helps reduce technical risk by proving systems in real flight conditions
• Supplier integration: Has flown with hardware from partners including Astronics
• Programme value: Provides real-world data to support the transition from prototype to certifiable aircraft design

The selection of Astronics for Valo’s low-voltage power distribution system is another step in Vertical Aerospace’s gradual transition from aircraft development to certification readiness. While propulsion systems often dominate attention in the eVTOL sector, electrical architecture is increasingly emerging as one of the defining enablers of safe, certifiable electric flight.

As aircraft like Valo move toward production-intent design, suppliers such as Astronics play a critical role in reducing technical risk by bringing flight-proven systems and established certification experience into emerging aircraft platforms. The integration of CorePower® technology, already flown on Vertical’s VX4 test aircraft, suggests a continuation of that de-risking strategy as the programme matures.

More broadly, the agreement reflects a wider industry trend: eVTOL manufacturers are increasingly relying on established aerospace suppliers rather than developing complex subsystems entirely in-house. In doing so, they are effectively blending new aircraft architectures with proven aviation technologies, a balance that may prove essential as the sector moves toward regulatory approval and commercial entry into service. Vertical Aerospace has consistently followed this strategy, and CEO Stuart Simpson has discussed the approach on multiple occasions, including in an interview earlier this year with eVTOL buzz’s Editor-in-Chief, Julian Orkisz:

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Stuart Simpson – CEO of Vertical Aerospace

• Previously Vertical’s CFO (September 2023 to May 2024)
• Former CFO of Avast and Royal Mail (UK)
• Former Finance Director Global Compact Car Division at General Motors
• Former Director of Planning and Strategy at GM Europe
• Former Group Finance Director Sales and Marketing, Design and Engineering at GM
• Former Financial Controller After-Sales, Parts and Accessories at Vauxhall Motors (GM)
• Former Senior Finance Manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace:

>“At Vertical, we’re very intentional about where we innovate and where we don’t. We don’t pursue novelty for its own sake. Instead, we focus our engineering effort on the areas that genuinely differentiate the aircraft – the powertrain, flight controls, propellers and design and integration.”

>“Where proven technologies already exist, we partner with best-in-class aerospace suppliers, like Honeywell and Aciturri. That gives us confidence in quality and safety, and it allows our teams to spend their time solving hard problems that matter for day one operations.”

>“As we move from prototype development to producing Valo as a commercial aircraft, that discipline becomes even more important. We are an aerospace manufacturer, and our job is to build aircraft that regulators trust, operators rely on, and can create a profitable business from, and to ensure that customers have a world-class experience when they fly.”

Vertical Aerospace’s Valo in Manhattan, which was the debut location for Vertical’s U.S. tour (Photo by eVTOL buzz)

https://reddit.com/link/1umgjk8/video/379ppm5e21bh1/player

As Vertical Aerospace progresses toward Critical Design Review and beyond, announcements like this are less about individual components and more about the steady assembly of a certifiable aircraft system. In that context, the addition of Astronics is another indicator that Valo is moving deeper into the industrialisation phase of its development programme.

Vertical Test Pilot Paul Stone conducted the latest prototype's maiden flight at 8:49 BST on 5 June 2026 (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

By Julian Orkisz, Editor-in-Chief at eVTOL buzz

 June 9, 2026

The UK-based eVTOL developer, Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) announced that its latest prototype completed its first piloted flight on June 5 at the company’s Flight Test Centre. The aircraft, introduced in December of last year, becomes the second full-scale VX4 in Vertical’s current active flight-test fleet and arrives at a pivotal point in the programme as the company prepares for Critical Design Review (CDR), a major milestone that will establish the design baseline for certification. Having a second aircraft for certification testing can help Vertical accelerate in one of the industry’s most closely watched certification efforts.

The maiden flight was conducted by Vertical test pilot Paul Stone after the aircraft received a Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority following a series of ground testing and validation activities.

Photo of Paul Stone (Courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

Paul Stone

• Test Pilot at Vertical Aerospace
• Over 200 aircraft types
• 4,800 flight hours
• Former Royal Navy Pilot (20 years)
  • Sea Harrier pilot
• Empire Test Pilot School
• Former Chief Test Pilot at Volocopter
• BAE Systems
  • Typhoon Future Capability Director
  • Director of Flight Operations
  • Chief Test Pilot for Combat Aircraft
• Former Chief Pilot for the Shuttleworth Collection
• Education:
  • Southampton University
    • BEng (Aeronautical Engineering)
  • Lancaster University
    • Distinction (MBA)

>

Vertical Aerospace

• Headquartered in Bristol, England 
• NYSE: EVTL
• Established in 2016
• Founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick (Founder of Ovo Energy and former owner of F1 Manor Racing team)
• CEO: Stuart Simpson
• Former Chairman: Dómhnal Slattery
• Manufacturer of Valo all-electric eVTOL
• Plans for future hybrid-electric powered eVTOL capable of 1,000 mile range

Both VX4 prototypes (G-EVTA and G-EVTB) – (Image Courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

While first flights are often viewed as symbolic milestones, the significance of this aircraft lies in what comes next. With two aircraft now flying, Vertical can conduct multiple test activities in parallel, increasing the pace at which certification-relevant data can be gathered.

The company’s original VX4 prototype continues to perform transition-flight testing after successfully completing multiple piloted transitions between vertical and wingborne flight. Meanwhile, the newly introduced second aircraft will progress through the same flight-test envelope, including thrustborne hover operations, conventional wingborne flight and transition testing.

VX4 Full-Scale Certification Test Fleet

• G-EVTA (First VX4 certification-representative prototype)
  • First VX4 built to certification-representative configuration
  • Completed piloted transition-flight testing across full flight envelope
  • Achieved historic full two-way piloted transition flight (vertical ↔ wingborne in a single mission, 14th of April 2026
  • Continues supporting flight-test and systems validation activities alongside second prototype
• G-EVTB (Second VX4 certification-representative prototype)
  • Latest VX4 aircraft to join the flight-test programme
  • Completed maiden piloted flight on 5th of June 2026
  • Will progress through thrustborne, wingborne, and transition-flight testing to expand certification dataset

Back in December, Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson, explained the significance of having another full-scale VX4 prototype for testing:

>

Both VX4 prototypes (G-EVTA and G-EVTB) – (Image Courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

For aircraft developers pursuing certification, additional flight-test capacity can have a meaningful impact on programme timelines. As test campaigns become increasingly complex, the ability to dedicate separate aircraft to different objectives helps reduce bottlenecks and allows engineering teams to validate systems, software and flight characteristics more efficiently.

The latest flight also marks the final prototype expected to join Vertical’s fleet before completion of Critical Design Review. In traditional aerospace development programmes, CDR represents one of the most important engineering milestones, confirming that an aircraft’s design is sufficiently mature to support certification and production planning.

Following CDR, Vertical intends to begin preparations for assembly of its first pre-production aircraft, moving the programme into its next phase of development.

The milestone comes as the broader eVTOL sector enters a more demanding stage of maturity. After years focused on concept development and prototype demonstrations, leading manufacturers are now being judged primarily on their ability to achieve regulatory certification and scale manufacturing.

Vertical’s strategy differs from some competitors by relying on full-scale piloted aircraft that closely resemble the intended production configuration. The company says its prototypes share the architecture, systems and flight characteristics planned for the commercial version of its Valo aircraft, enabling certification-focused testing earlier in the programme.

Valo

• 100 mile range
• 150 mph top speed
• Up to 6 passengers
• Airliner-level safety certification in 2028
  • Airliner-level safety standards (UK/EU 10-⁹; CAA/EASA, SC-VTOL Category Enhanced)
• Quiet performance (<50 dBA in cruise)
• Room for six cabin bags and six checked bags
• 550 kg / 1,200 lbs total payload

Valo eVTOL (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)

Planned Hybrid Retrofit for Second VX4 Prototype

Beyond supporting certification efforts, the new aircraft is also expected to play a role in public flight demonstrations during the coming year. Once testing in its all-electric configuration is complete, Vertical plans to retrofit this second aircraft for hybrid-electric flight testing.

The decision reflects a growing industry interest in hybrid-electric propulsion as developers seek to expand mission capabilities beyond urban air mobility. While battery-powered all-electric aircraft remain the primary focus for short-range passenger transport, hybrid-electric systems could offer greater range, endurance and payload capacity for applications such as defence, logistics and regional transportation.

Vertical’s hybrid-electric ambitions place it among a growing number of companies exploring how advanced air mobility technologies might serve markets beyond traditional air taxi operations.

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The company continues to market its Valo aircraft as a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed to deliver zero-emission flights while maintaining the safety standards expected of commercial aviation. Vertical says it has secured approximately 1,500 pre-orders from customers including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines.

With a second aircraft now airborne and Critical Design Review approaching, Vertical enters the second half of 2026 with increasing momentum. The next major challenge will be converting that momentum into certification progress as the drive to bring commercial eVTOL aircraft into service moves into a new phase.

More Info:

Vertical Aerospace (official website): click here

Vertical Aerospace’s Final Full-Scale Prototype Completes First Piloted Flight (9th of June, 2026): click here

Vertical Aerospace Doubles Flight Test Capacity With Final Prototype (22nd of December, 2025): click here