FutureFlight
Vertical Turns to Solvay to Provide Composite Structures for the VA-1X
The Belgian company will help Vertical Aerospace build a full-scale prototype of its eVTOL aircraft in time to make a first flight in September.
Vertical eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace's VA-1X eVTOL aircraft will feature composite structures made by Solvay. (Image: Vertical Aerospace)

Vertical Aerospace has selected composites specialist Solvay to develop the main aerostructures for the fuselage and wing of its VA-1X eVTOL aircraft. A partnership agreement signed this week calls for Solvay’s engineering team to help the UK-based start-up complete the development of a full-scale flying prototype in time for a first flight in September 2021.

Belgium-based Solvay, which has extensive experience in providing structures for aircraft and for new eVTOL designs, is proposing a portfolio of thermoplastic composites, specialty polymers, structural adhesives, and functional films. The company also claims to have relevant experience with high-volume, low-cost production techniques that have already been applied in the automotive sector. It is a composite-structures supplier to aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Bell.