Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo will support Vertical Aerospace in developing the fuselage for its VX4 eVTOL. Under a newly inked agreement, the Italian group will initially help to build six VX4s to be used for type certification test flights, but it could be extended to cover planned annual production of up to 2,000 of the four-passenger aircraft.

At its Grottalglie site in Italy, Leonardo’s aerostructure division will design, test, manufacture, and supply the carbon fiber fuselage for the all-electric VX4. The companies said they will work together to optimize lightweight composite structures, modular design, systems integration, and structural testing for the co-development of the fuselage.

UK-based startup Vertical Aerospace has placed a strong emphasis on including established aerospace companies in its program. Its partners already include Rolls-Royce, which is developing the VX4’s electric propulsion system; avionics group Honeywell; aerostructures manufacturer GKN; and Solvay.

Vertical is expanding its engineering and management team as it prepares for first flight of the VX4 prototype later this year. The aircraft, which is expected to complete type certification in 2024, will have a range of more than 100 miles and fly at speeds of up to 200 mph.

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