Hanwha Aerospace wins key component orders from UK, US UAM enterprises

[Source: Hanwha Aerospace]

Hanwha Aerospace under defense-focused South Korean Hanwha Group entered a deal with Vertical Aerospace, British urban air mobility (UAM) firm, to supply electromechanical actuators (EMAs) for Vertical’s electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The EMA is an actuator or driving device that controls numerous mechanical operations of a UAM machine by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. The deal size amounts to $165 million, according to the firm.

During the partnership valid from 2025 to 2035, Hanwha will become the sole provider of its EMAs to the VX4, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which Vertical aims to mass produce in 2025. In addition, the firm plans to gain relevant certificates from Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to mass produce EMAs.

Hanwha also recently closed a deal with Overair, a U.S. UAM startup, to develop a battery-powered propulsion system. After a pilot program, the propulsion system will be applied to Butterfly, Overair’s all-electric electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

“We have focused on developing eco-friendly power trains, such as EMAs and battery-powered propulsions, based on our expertise in the aerospace business. We will work harder to lead the UAM field,” said an official from the firm.

Hanwha Aerospace shares rose 3.70 percent to 72,900 won ($54.33) in the early session on Tuesday.

[ⓒ Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]