Vertical Aerospace will lead a UK Government-backed program to develop high-power charging and thermal management technologies for electric aircraft, as the company seeks to support the commercialization of electric aviation.
Government-Backed Investment
The ECLiPSE program, announced by Vertical Aerospace, represents a total investment of approximately £3.4 million, including up to £1.75 million in funding from the UK Government.
The initiative forms part of a broader £43 million government funding package aimed at advancing aviation technologies across the United Kingdom.
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Vertical Aerospace is leading the project in collaboration with the University of Bath and InnCat Ltd.
Focus on Charging Infrastructure
The ECLiPSE program will develop high-power charging and liquid-cooling technologies designed to improve charging performance while reducing infrastructure size, installation complexity and long-term operating costs.
According to the company, the technologies are intended to enable faster aircraft turnaround times and support commercial electric flight operations.
In parallel, Vertical Aerospace said it is in advanced discussions with the UK Government regarding an additional grant of up to £10 million to support the establishment of its first full-scale production facility in the United Kingdom.
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Supporting Commercial Electric Aviation
Chief Executive Officer Stuart Simpson said the project is intended to address one of the key infrastructure requirements for commercial electric aviation.
“ECLiPSE will make electric flight commercially viable by building the charging infrastructure commercial operations require.”
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government is working with industry to reduce aviation emissions while supporting the development of next-generation aircraft.
“The UK is working with industry to cut emissions and develop the aircraft of tomorrow.”
The company said the program expands its capabilities beyond aircraft development into charging infrastructure, which it considers an important component for scaling commercial electric aviation as the industry moves toward certification and future operations.
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