Pair Work Together to Certify Two Critical Systems on the Production Version VX4

Honeywell recently announced an expanded partnership with Vertical Aerospace to fast-track the VX4’s path to the market. The agreement centers on two crucial components of the electric vertical takeoff and landing device (eVTOL).

“As we accelerate toward global certification and scalable production, Honeywell’s aerospace expertise and proven track record in flight-critical systems make it the ideal partner for this next phase,” explained Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson. “By integrating production-ready technologies, we’re helping build an aircraft that meets the highest safety standards in aviation, solidifying its certifiability and exportability across global markets.”

The pair has been working together for over six years, focusing on one primary goal: developing advanced air mobility. Vertical has taken advantage of Honeywell’s flight systems through two flight test campaigns, with the most recent being well on its way to piloted wingborne flight tests.

With the latest partnership expansion, Vertical and Honeywell will leverage their conjoined power to get two of the VX4 eVTOL’s critical flight systems certified. The first is the aircraft management system, which is centered around Honeywell’s Anthem integrated flight deck. This digital platform incorporates cockpit displays and their software into a safe and user-friendly experience.

The second half of the project is Honeywell’s compact fly-by-wire system, allowing the VX4 to ditch the conventional mechanical connections in exchange for electronic controls. The outcome of this is a safer, simpler, and more stable flight.

The duo will be attempting to certify these technologies to a 10-9 standard under the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The 10-9 level represents a device with a catastrophic system failure rate of one per one billion flight hours. For reference, all commercial airliners are required to meet the 10-9 certification.

Vertical hopes to push its VX4 into production after certification, slated for 2028, and complete at least 150 deliveries by 2030.

FMI: https://aerospace.honeywell.com, https://vertical-aerospace.com