Hanwha & Vertical Expand eVTOL Partnership

Vertical and Hanwha Aerospace have signed an amended contract at Seoul ADEX 2023 to jointly develop critical actuation systems for Vertical's VX4 four-passenger eVTOL air taxi By Joe Macey / 30 Oct 2023
Hanwha Aerospace and Vertical expand partnership during ADEX 2023
Follow AAMi

Hanwha Aerospace and Vertical Aerospace have signed an agreement to collaborate on the design, testing, manufacture, and supply of tilt and blade pitch control systems for Vertical’s VX4 electric aircraft. 

Following the signing of a contract with Vertical last year for the development of Electro-Mechanical Actuation (EMA), Hanwha and Vertical expanded the scope of the agreement during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2023).

With the signing of the new agreement, Hanwha will now be responsible for all actuation systems of Vertical’s VX4 four-passenger air taxi. The development of actuation systems includes the design and mass production of the propeller tilt and pitch change mechanisms, which are critical to the performance of the VX4.

“The strong relationship between the two companies has been firmly established by participating in the development of EMA and demonstration aircraft,” said Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “The expansion of our business with Vertical to include a top electric actuator system is excellent as Hanwha has been recognized for our competitiveness in system technology in the future mobility field.”

“There has been an opportunity to cooperate with Hanwha in the development of our prototype VX4s that will continue through to the production aircraft; it started with the development of EMA, and now our partnership has deepened by expanding to critical aircraft mechanical systems,” added Michael Cervenka, CTO of Vertical Aerospace.

Beginning with the development of the EMA for Vertical, Hanwha expanded its partnership to include the design of a Blade Pitch Mechanism for Vertical’s second prototype air vehicle, and on that basis, it has expanded the scope of the joint development for the production air vehicle to include the blade pitch control system and the tilt system, both of which are inextricably linked to the development of the EMA.

For an eVTOL aircraft, the actuation and mechanical systems are critical, with the blade pitch control and tilt systems being critical components for stable flight controlled by the flight control system. Unlike conventional aircraft, applications of tilt systems in this new sector of eVTOL aircraft are innovative, hence this program requires a high level of innovation and R&D.

Vertical Aerospace’s next VX4 prototype is now being assembled in the United Kingdom and will incorporate Hanwha’s technology. In early 2024, the next demonstrator aircraft will fly in the United Kingdom.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Vertical Secures $60 Million to Advance eVTOL Development

Vertical Aerospace has completed its public offering, raising $60 million to progress aviation research, development, and testing capabilities

Jul 15, 2025
Partnership to Explore Air Taxi Services in Ajman

Skyports and Ajman Transport Authority will collaborate on smart aerial mobility, exploring air taxi services and infrastructure development

Jul 14, 2025
LYNEports Collaborates to Accelerate Sustainable UAM Solutions Worldwide

LYNEports is partnering with Eyrie Aero and ELSA Industry to accelerate worldwide UAM through AI-driven vertiport planning, green hydrogen integration, and scalable eVTOL infrastructure solutions

Jul 11, 2025
Flying Car Owners to Gain Access to New Pilot Training Program

Samson Sky has revealed plans for a pilot training program for Switchblade Flying Car customers and those who just want to earn their 'wings'

Jul 10, 2025
ARC Aerosystems Partnership to Accelerate VTOL Introduction in Japan

AirMobility and ARC Aerosystems have signed an MoU, collaborating to expand ARC’s VTOL aircraft, including the Pegasus 3, and AAM solutions in Japan

Jul 08, 2025
Archer Completes Initial Midnight eVTOL Flight in Abu Dhabi

Archer has launched flight testing of its Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi, advancing certification efforts and preparing for commercial air taxi services in the UAE

Jul 07, 2025