Vertical Aerospace has selected Astronics Corporation as the supplier of the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The long-term agreement marks another important step in the company’s journey toward aircraft certification and commercial production. The partnership also strengthens Vertical Aerospace’s growing network of global aerospace suppliers.
The announcement highlights Vertical Aerospace’s continued efforts to prepare the Valo aircraft for commercial service.
The company is building its supplier network with experienced aerospace partners that can support aircraft certification and large-scale manufacturing. Astronics joins several well-known companies that are already contributing key technologies to the aircraft.
Power Distribution System
Under the agreement, Astronics will provide the complete low-voltage power distribution system for the Valo aircraft. The system includes power-conversion and distribution hardware that manages power for essential onboard equipment. It helps ensure that critical aircraft systems receive safe, reliable electrical power during flight.
The Valo aircraft operates using a high-voltage electric propulsion system. However, many onboard systems require lower-voltage electricity to function properly. Astronics’ technology converts high-voltage power to low-voltage power suitable for flight controls, avionics, navigation equipment, and other critical systems.
Avionics include the electronic systems used for communication, navigation, flight monitoring, and aircraft control. These systems play an important role in helping pilots operate the aircraft safely. Reliable power distribution is essential because even small interruptions can affect important flight functions.
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Astronics has already worked with Vertical Aerospace during the aircraft’s prototype development. Its electrical hardware is currently installed on the company’s piloted flight-test aircraft. This earlier collaboration allowed both companies to test the technology under real operating conditions before moving toward commercial production.
Vertical Aerospace selected Astronics because of its experience in aircraft electrical systems and its focus on electric aviation technology.
The company has developed power solutions specifically for eVTOL aircraft, which have different electrical requirements than conventional airplanes. That experience is expected to support the Valo program as it moves closer to certification.
Strong Supplier Network Supports Certification
Vertical Aerospace continues to expand its supplier ecosystem by working with established aerospace manufacturers. Honeywell is supplying the flight control and aircraft management systems. Aciturri is responsible for airframe structures, while Evolito is providing electric propulsion units.
Hyundai WIA will supply the aircraft’s landing gear. Syensqo is contributing advanced composite materials used in the airframe. Isoclima will provide the aircraft’s transparencies, including windows and other clear structural components.
Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson said building a certifiable aircraft requires both advanced technology and reliable industry partners.
He said Astronics has already demonstrated its expertise through its flight-testing program. Simpson added that the agreement strengthens the supply chain while supporting the aircraft’s path toward certification and commercial production.
Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems President Jon Neal said the company is proud to supply the Valo aircraft’s power distribution system.
He explained that the company’s CorePower platform combines high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution, delivering a lightweight, compact design. Neal added that the system was developed to meet aerospace certification standards while reducing integration challenges for aircraft manufacturers.
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Valo Moves toward Commercial Service
The announcement comes as Vertical Aerospace continues work toward its Critical Design Review(CDR). This stage confirms that the aircraft’s design is mature and meets the technical requirements needed before certification-focused manufacturing begins. Completing the CDR also establishes the final design to be used for production and regulatory testing.
Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically, like helicopters, using electric motors rather than traditional fuel-powered engines. Developers believe these aircraft can provide quieter operations and lower emissions than many conventional aircraft. They are being developed for applications such as urban air mobility, regional transportation, and short-distance passenger travel.
Aircraft certification remains one of the most important stages before any new aircraft enters commercial service. Manufacturers must demonstrate that every major system meets strict safety and performance standards set by aviation regulators. Reliable suppliers play a key role because each component must meet these certification requirements.
By selecting Astronics for one of the aircraft’s critical electrical systems, Vertical Aerospace continues to strengthen the technical foundation of the Valo program. The agreement also reflects the growing importance of partnerships between aircraft developers and established aerospace technology companies.
As certification activities continue, these collaborations will help prepare the Valo aircraft for future commercial operations and wider adoption in the emerging electric aviation market.
