This article is based on an official press release from Rapita Systems.

Rapita Systems and Avionyx Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Avionics Certification

In a move designed to streamline the complex process of certifying safety-critical aerospace software, Rapita Systems and Avionyx have announced a strategic partnership. According to a press release issued in February 2026, the collaboration aims to create a “one-stop-shop” for avionics verification, specifically targeting the rigorous demands of DO-178C Design Assurance Level A (DAL A) compliance.

The partnership combines Rapita Systems’ automated verification technologies with Avionyx’s decades of engineering service expertise. By integrating these capabilities, the companies intend to address significant bottlenecks in the development of next-generation aircraft, including Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles and unmanned systems. The joint offering focuses heavily on solving the technical challenges associated with multicore processors, a critical component in modern avionics architecture.

Integrating Tools and Expertise

The core of the announcement highlights the integration of two distinct strengths: automated tooling and “human-in-the-loop” engineering services. Rapita Systems, a leading provider of software verification tools, brings its Rapita Verification Suite (RVS) and MACH178 solution to the table. These tools are designed to automate on-target software testing, code coverage analysis, and timing analysis.

Avionyx, an aerospace engineering services firm and subsidiary of Joby Aviation, contributes over 35 years of experience in full-lifecycle software development and verification. Under the new agreement, Avionyx engineers will utilize Rapita’s toolset to execute verification tasks for clients. This model allows aerospace manufacturers to outsource certification work to a team already proficient in the industry’s most advanced verification platforms.

“Rapita and Avionyx joining forces is a logical union given our shared focus on supporting high-criticality aerospace projects and commitment to solving the industry’s hardest challenges.”

, Jamie Ayre, Chief Commercial Officer at Rapita Systems

Solving the Multicore Interference Problem

A primary technical objective of this partnership is to facilitate compliance with AC 20-193 (and its European equivalent AMC 20-193). These regulatory standards govern the use of multicore processors in airborne systems. While multicore chips offer the performance required for advanced flight control and autonomy, they introduce “interference channels” where different processing cores compete for shared resources like memory, potentially causing unpredictable behavior.

According to the press release, Rapita’s MACH178 solution specifically targets this issue by analyzing and producing evidence to prove that multicore systems can operate safely and deterministically. By pairing this technology with Avionyx’s certification experience, the partnership claims it can significantly reduce the time required to verify these complex systems.

“This collaboration enables Avionyx to offer our customers a faster, more efficient path to certification, even for the most demanding DAL A and multi-core projects.”

, Tom Ferrell, General Manager at Avionyx

AirPro News Analysis: The eVTOL Context

While the official announcement focuses on the technical synergy between the two firms, the market context suggests broader implications for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Avionyx was acquired by Joby Aviation in 2022, placing it at the center of the race to certify electric air taxis. The pressure to meet aggressive certification timelines for eVTOL aircraft is immense, and traditional manual verification methods are often too slow to keep pace.

We observe that this partnership likely serves a dual purpose: it strengthens the supply chain for the broader aerospace market while validating tools and processes that are critical for the eVTOL industry. By automating the detection of bugs and interference issues, manufacturers can potentially reduce bug-fixing cycles from weeks to hours, a vital efficiency gain for startups and established OEMs alike.

Key Benefits for Aerospace Manufacturers

The companies have outlined several key benefits for customers across the Americas and Europe:

• Speed to Market: Automation and specialized expertise aim to drastically shorten the verification phase, which is often the longest pole in the certification tent.
• Risk Mitigation: The combined offering provides a proven pathway to DO-178C DAL A compliance, reducing the risk of regulatory rejection late in the program.
• Scalability: The service model allows manufacturers to access high-end verification capabilities without the need to build and train massive internal teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DO-178C DAL A?

DO-178C is the primary document by which certification authorities such as the FAA and EASA approve all commercial software-based aerospace systems. “DAL A” (Design Assurance Level A) is the most stringent safety level, applied to software where a failure would cause a catastrophic condition for the aircraft.

What is the role of Rapita Systems?

Rapita Systems provides the software tools (RVS and MACH178) that automate the testing and analysis of the avionics software, ensuring it meets safety standards regarding timing and code coverage.

What is the role of Avionyx?

Avionyx provides the engineering workforce and certification expertise. Their engineers use Rapita’s tools to perform the actual verification work, acting as a specialized service provider for aerospace clients.

Sources

Rapita Systems

This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.

GKN Aerospace and Partners Complete MANTA Programme for Morphing Wing Technology

GKN Aerospace, leading a consortium of European manufacturers, has successfully completed the MANTA (MovAbles for Next generaTion Aircraft) programme. Funded under the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking, now part of Clean Aviation, the project focused on maturing innovative control surface technologies designed to make future aircraft lighter, quieter, and more sustainable.

According to the official announcement from GKN Aerospace, the programme delivered four advanced technology demonstrators. These systems utilize “morphing” capabilities to optimize aerodynamics, moving away from traditional heavy mechanical joints. The project was developed in collaboration with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), and ASCO.

Advancing Sustainable Aviation

The primary goal of the MANTA programme was to develop technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation industry. By replacing conventional hinged systems with morphing structures, the consortium aims to reduce drag and structural weight, which are critical factors in lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

GKN Aerospace stated that the technologies were developed for major industry customers, including Airbus Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, and Saab. The completion of the programme marks a significant step toward integrating these systems into the next generation of high-aspect-ratio wings.

“The results show significant potential for weight reduction, fuel savings, noise reduction and smarter wing load management, key enablers for more sustainable high aspect ratio wings.”

— GKN Aerospace Statement

Four Key Technology Demonstrators

The consortium successfully matured four distinct technologies, ranging from proof-of-concept stages to validation in relevant environments. GKN Aerospace detailed the specific achievements for each demonstrator:

1. Winglet Morphing Tab

This concept focuses on drag reduction at the wingtip. Instead of traditional hinged surfaces, it uses flexible thermoplastic composite elements to change shape. According to GKN Aerospace, this technology offers a potential 5% weight saving and an 8% cost reduction compared to traditional systems.

2. Multi-Functional Flap Mechanism (MFFM)

Developed with significant input from ASCO, this mechanism combines the functions of a flap and an aileron into a single unit. It allows the wing chord to be varied, eliminating the need for separate ailerons. The consortium reported that this technology achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 through full-scale testing.

3. FAMoUS Pressure Cell Actuator

The “Fluid Actuated Morphing Unit Structures” (FAMoUS) concept, developed by DLR, represents a novel approach to actuation. It utilizes a fluid-driven system to morph the trailing edge of the wing. GKN Aerospace confirmed this concept was validated at TRL 3, demonstrating a successful proof of concept.

4. Adaptive Air Inlet

This technology replaces traditional metal intake doors with an optimized morphing composite flap featuring variable thickness. The design aims to improve intake airflow quality and durability by reducing mechanical complexity.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of the MANTA programme highlights a broader industry shift toward “biomimetic” or morphing designs. Traditional aircraft control surfaces rely on gaps and hinges that create aerodynamic turbulence and noise. By utilizing flexible composites and fluid actuation, OEMs can create seamless wing surfaces that adapt to flight conditions much like a bird’s wing.

While technologies like the FAMoUS actuator are still in early development (TRL 3), the advancement of the Multi-Functional Flap Mechanism to TRL 5 suggests that morphing structures are moving closer to industrial application. We anticipate that these innovations will play a crucial role in meeting the European Union’s Clean Aviation goals for 2030 and beyond.

Future Outlook

With the programme now concluded, the partners have defined clear pathways to higher Technology Readiness Levels. According to the release, future steps include fatigue testing, environmental validation, and the enhancement of sensor and actuation systems. The consortium plans to explore further integration opportunities with aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Sources

• GKN Aerospace LinkedIn Announcement

This article is based on an official press release from Vaeridion.

Vaeridion Secures Molicel as Battery Supplier for Electric Microliner

Munich-based electric aircraft developer Vaeridion has announced a strategic partnerships with E-One Moli Energy Corp. (Molicel) to supply high-performance battery cells for its nine-passenger “Microliner.” According to the company’s official statement released on February 27, 2026, this agreement marks a critical step toward the aircraft’s planned first flight in 2027 and commercial entry by 2030.

The collaboration addresses one of the most significant hurdles in electric aviation: securing aviation-grade energy storage that can deliver high power during take-off while maintaining safety and longevity. Under the agreement, Molicel will provide high-power lithium-ion cylindrical cells, which Vaeridion will integrate into its proprietary battery modules and packs.

Vaeridion CEO Ivor van Dartel emphasized the importance of the partnership in keeping the company’s timeline on track. By selecting a supplier with a proven track record in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector, Vaeridion aims to de-risk the certification process for its electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft.

Strategic Partnership Details

The agreement focuses on the supply of cylindrical lithium-ion cells, a format widely favored in the electric aviation industry for its balance of energy density and discharge capability. Molicel, headquartered in Taipei, has established itself as a key player in this sector, already supplying major eVTOL developers such as Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace.

Roles and Responsibilities

According to the press release, the partnership delineates clear roles for both companies:

• Molicel will supply the raw battery cells, optimized for the high-discharge requirements of electric flight.
• Vaeridion retains responsibility for the complete battery system integration. This includes the design of thermal management systems, mechanical protection, and safety architecture.

Vaeridion stated that they are developing the electrical system in-house, with additional support from partners like Bosch, who are assisting with power electronics and battery management systems (BMS).

The Microliner: eCTOL Technology

The Vaeridion Microliner is designed as an electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing (eCTOL) aircraft, distinguishing it from the air taxis (eVTOLs) that have dominated recent headlines. By utilizing existing runways, the Microliner requires significantly less energy for lift than vertical take-off aircraft, allowing for a viable regional range using current battery technology.

Wing-Integrated Batteries

A core innovation of the Microliner is the integration of battery modules directly into the wings. Vaeridion claims this “glider-inspired” design offers two primary benefits:

1. Structural Efficiency: The weight of the batteries in the wings provides bending relief, reducing the structural reinforcement needed for the airframe.
2. Safety: Placing high-voltage systems in the wings physically separates the energy storage from the passenger cabin.

The aircraft is designed to transport nine passengers and crew over distances of approximately 500 kilometers, a range Vaeridion asserts covers nearly 80% of typical regional routes.

Industrialization and Timeline

The announcement follows Vaeridion’s strategic expansion in late 2025. As reported by FlightGlobal and confirmed in Vaeridion’s recent updates, the company acquired the battery manufacturing facility at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport from the insolvent eVTOL developer Lilium. This facility now serves as Vaeridion’s hub for battery industrialization and propulsion testing.

Key Milestones

Vaeridion has outlined the following schedule for the Microliner program:

• Q1 2026: Operational launch of the battery facility at Oberpfaffenhofen.
• H2 2026: System testing on the “UpLift” flying testbed (a Dornier 328) in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
• 2027: First flight of the full-scale Microliner prototype.
• 2030: Targeted EASA Type Certification and Entry into Service (EIS).

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of Molicel is a calculated move that signals maturity in Vaeridion’s supply chain strategy. While many electric aviation startups struggle to secure Tier-1 battery suppliers due to low initial volumes, Molicel has shown a willingness to support the aviation sector aggressively.

Furthermore, Vaeridion’s acquisition of Lilium’s former assets at Oberpfaffenhofen highlights a broader industry trend: the consolidation of the “first wave” of electric aviation resources. By repurposing existing infrastructure and opting for a technically less demanding eCTOL architecture, Vaeridion appears to be positioning itself for a more pragmatic path to certification than its eVTOL predecessors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between eCTOL and eVTOL?
eCTOL (electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing) aircraft use runways like traditional planes, which is more energy-efficient. eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft can hover and land vertically like helicopters but require more energy and complex propulsion systems.

Who is Molicel?
Molicel (E-One Moli Energy Corp.) is a Taiwanese battery manufacturer specializing in high-power cylindrical lithium-ion cells. They are a primary supplier for several high-performance applications, including electric aviation and hypercars.

When will the Vaeridion Microliner enter service?
Vaeridion is targeting 2030 for commercial entry into service, following a planned first flight in 2027.

Sources: Vaeridion Press Release