VÆRIDION has selected Drive System Design (DSD) to develop, manufacture and test the propeller drive system for its Microliner electric aircraft, as the company continues development of its nine-seat regional aircraft.
The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026, and supports the next phase of the Microliner program as it moves toward full-scale ground testing and its first flight.
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Drive System to Support Electric Propulsion
Under the agreement, DSD will develop the propeller drive system for VÆRIDION’s electric propulsion unit.
The scope of work includes the Blue-Label drive unit, motor support structure, driveshaft, clutch and oil system.
The project will be carried out in two phases, beginning with support for VÆRIDION’s preliminary design review before progressing to delivery of hardware for the company’s Copper Bird ground-testing program in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.
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Multi-Engine Architecture
The Microliner uses a propulsion architecture that combines two independent electric motors with a single propeller through a direct-drive transmission.
According to VÆRIDION, the system incorporates an integrated clutch designed to automatically disconnect a failed motor while allowing the remaining motor to continue driving the propeller.
DSD becomes the third major supplier involved in the propulsion program, joining propeller manufacturer MT-Propeller and electric motor developer Evolito.
Experience From Multiple Industries
VÆRIDION said it selected DSD based on the company’s experience in aerospace transmission systems, including helicopter gearboxes and electric propeller drive technologies.
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The company also cited DSD’s experience applying electrification technologies from the automotive sector to aerospace programs.
“DSD’s capabilities will help accelerate validation towards first flight,” said Markus Kochs-Kämper, chief technology officer of VÆRIDION.
“We bring adjacent experience from hypercars and gas turbines to the programme,” said Jason Allen, managing director of Drive System Design.
The Microliner is being developed as a battery-electric regional aircraft designed to carry up to nine passengers on short-haul routes. VÆRIDION continues to advance the program through component testing and system validation ahead of future flight testing.
