Headquartered in New York State, Astronics Corporation (Astronics) has announced that the company is in receipt of firm orders from ten eVTOL manufacturers who are developing electrical aircraft for emerging air mobility missions. Astronics is responsible for providing advanced technologies for global aerospace, defence, and other mission-critical industries.
The ten orders also include Astronics’ contract to provide its enhanced CorePower® electrical power distribution system for the Lilium Jet. In total the orders have a value of approximately US$20 million (£15.6 million) during the period to certification and consist of hardware deliveries along with engineering support to achieve aircraft certification. Once certified, Astronics anticipates these initial sales will result in long-term production contracts.
The company has developed a set of capabilities and a family of products which provide a broad range of electrical power management solutions specifically for eVTOL aircraft. This includes high-voltage conversion from 800 VDC (Volts Direct Current) through 1000 VDC converted down to 28 VDC, as well as low power distribution throughout the aircraft. The hardware is designed to be compact and lightweight, ensuring reliable power management from the aircraft batteries to flight-critical end-use systems, including flight controls, avionics, navigation, communication, sensors, lighting, and passenger comfort systems.
Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, said “Over the last few years Astronics has expanded its CorePower® product offerings to include a suite of high-power electrical power management capabilities that are critical to the safe and efficient operation of small, electric aircraft. Our OEM customers have chosen Astronics because of our breadth of products, our technical expertise, and our commitment to supporting them through certification. Astronics is excited to be part of the electrification of aircraft moving towards more sustainable and cleaner modes of transportation.”
