A place for general discussion and events not considered as requiring a dedicated post. Quality contributions of note and depth may eventually go on to form the basis of future curated posts.
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
Valo (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)
https://reddit.com/link/1umgjk8/video/hrwz1fisb1bh1/player
https://reddit.com/link/1umgjk8/video/9q4l9w4w11bh1/player
**CorePower******^(®) aircraft power distribution systems
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.
**CorePower******^(®) 1426 Series Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit (ECBU)
**CorePower******^(®) 1448 Series 28 VDC or 115 VAC Electronic Circuit Breaker Unit (ECBU)
Both VX4 prototypes (G-EVTA and G-EVTB) – (Image Courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)
VX4 prototype (Photo courtesy of Vertical Aerospace)
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:
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.”
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.
These air taxis could be flying over UK cities in just two years
A little video of Prototype 3s first wingborne flight.
The flight starts around 14.00 although there are clips of the taxiing before that.
A place for general discussion and events not considered as requiring a dedicated post. Quality contributions of note and depth may eventually go on to form the basis of future curated posts.
Starting the week off with another transition flight 🤝
LONDON & EAST AURORA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertical Aerospace ("Vertical" or the "Company") (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced a long-term agreement with Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, to supply the low-voltage ("LV") power distribution system for Vertical's Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Under the agreement, Astronics will provide the aircraft's LV power distribution system, including power conversion and distribution hardware that manages and protects electrical power for critical aircraft systems. The system converts high-voltage electrical power from the aircraft's propulsion architecture into low-voltage power used by avionics, flight controls and other essential onboard systems.
Astronics has supported Vertical throughout the prototype phase of aircraft development, with its hardware already integrated into Vertical's piloted flight test aircraft. The company's purpose-built eVTOL electrical power solutions and extensive aerospace experience make it the ideal supplier for Valo as Vertical advances toward certification and commercial production.
This agreement further strengthens Vertical's supplier ecosystem across Valo’s key aircraft systems, including leading suppliers such as Honeywell (flight control and aircraft management systems), Aciturri (airframe structures), Evolito (electric propulsion units), Hyundai WIA (landing gear), Syensqo (composite materials) and Isoclima (transparencies).
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:
"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."
Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, said:
"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.”
The announcement follows continued progress on the Valo programme as Vertical advances toward Critical Design Review (CDR), establishing the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft ahead of certification-conforming aircraft production and testing.
About Astronics Corporation
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets. For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.
About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Valo is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.
Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL.
Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of Valo, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding a long-term supply agreement with Astronics to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for Valo, the design and manufacture of our aircraft and the hybrid-electric variant, certification and the commercialization of our aircraft and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, the features and capabilities of the aircraft, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers; as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation, the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 24, 2026, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.
Hi all!
Great news today - we completed our first Wingborne flight on our third prototype today ✈️
"...Meanwhile laboratory and ground-testing was carried out. ATA Engineering – the company that conducted ground vibration testing (GVT) on the US$10bn James Webb Space Telescope – installed eight heavy-duty shakers and 350 accelerometers on a suspended airframe. ATA’s GVT methodology identifies modal characteristics – natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios – to update finite-element models and improve flight-flutter analysis.
Vertical Aerospace also subjected each propeller blade to around seven million fatigue cycles to demonstrate margin over projected service life. The company’s engineers also dropped a complete battery pack from a 50ft (15.2m) height to qualify the pack against rotorcraft fuel-tank crashworthiness standards.
The 50ft drop height aligns with the FAA’s 14 CFR 27.952 and 29.952 rotorcraft fuel-system test, which EASA has adopted as a starting-point Means of Compliance for eVTOL battery systems under SC-VTOL. A full-scale thermal runaway propagation test on a battery sub-pack demonstrated containment of a single-cell failure within its module, with sufficient venting, thermal isolation and structural integrity to allow safe flight and landing. Such work indicates how Vertical is pushing at the limits of the established type-certification basis..."
Ben Sampson has worked as a journalist and editor, covering technology, engineering and industry for the last 20 years. Initially writing about subjects from nuclear submarines to autonomous cars to future design and manufacturing technologies, he was editor of a leading UK-based engineering magazine before becoming editor of Aerospace Testing in 2017.
Ben has worked as a journalist and editor, covering technology, engineering and industry for the last 20 years. Initially writing about subjects from nuclear submarines to autonomous cars to future design and manufacturing technologies, he was editor of a leading UK-based engineering magazine before becoming editor of Aerospace Testing in 2017.
Well worth a read - not sure how I missed this article as it seems to be from an interview held back in April - however lots of useful info from Stuart including stating that the prototype aircraft are actually flown with around 300kg of sensors! Very interesting considering the amount of people looking for confirmation that these craft can carry payloads!
Our third test pilot, Tim Eldridge completed another flight this morning on our latest prototype!
‘What will separate early advantage from long term leadership in Advanced Air Mobility?
This brief sets out a clear perspective. AAM is not a near-term experiment, but a strategic platform that will influence how airlines compete across operations, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement.
As an operator focused on building safe, scalable AAM solutions, Bristow sees decisions developing in real time. The airlines that take a structured, disciplined approach today will be best positioned as the market matures.’
Not sure if I should say "thank them for me" or "don't tell them so they don't turn it back off", but Vertical Aerospace's flight yesterday actually showed up on ADSB. Only one source, and its a little rough, but its a first.
https://skyzero.io/flights/G-EVTA-3f7dee93-fd28-45c8-93a2-9e91e34fef23
As usual, you can follow them here: https://skyzero.io/oems/VERTICAL%20AEROSPACE
