FutureFlight
Vertical Teams with Warwick University to Develop Supercharger for eVTOL Aircraft
Vertical Aerospace intends to test the unit on its VA-1X eVTOL aircraft, which is due to enter service by the end of 2024.
Vertical Aerospace VA-1X
Vertical Aerospace's all-electric, four-passenger VA-1X is expected to enter service in 2024 with a range of up to around 100 miles. [Image: Vertical Aerospace]

Vertical Aerospace is to work with the University of Warwick on a so-called "smart charger" for its new VA-1X eVTOL aircraft. The project is supported by £2.3 million ($2.9 million) in government-backed funding from the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). In a September 24 announcement, the British start-up said the charger will boost performance and enhance safety for the four-seat aircraft, which is due to start commercial operations by the end of 2024.

The project, which is expected to be completed by October 2022, will involve applying the latest electrochemical concepts to develop a charger with diagnostic capability. The intention is that the supercharger will analyze inflight and charge event data to optimize battery life and the state of charge, as well as detect potential failures in advance.