UK-based Vertical Aerospace has selected a 30G energy-absorbing seating system and Northrop Grumman navigation technology for its Valo electric flying taxi, as the company moves toward aircraft certification and production.

The Bristol-based aircraft developer announced two long-term supplier agreements on October 16. South Korea’s ANH Structure will develop and manufacture the aircraft’s seats, while Germany-based Northrop Grumman LITEF will supply its LCR-110 inertial reference system.

The seating system will incorporate technology designed to absorb high impact forces during a crash. Meanwhile, the navigation system will provide essential flight information, including the aircraft’s orientation, heading and position.

Both systems are intended for Valo, Vertical’s piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is being developed to carry four passengers. The agreements establish supplier responsibilities but do not mean the completed systems have been certified for the aircraft.

ANH Structure will design, develop, certify and manufacture a common seating platform for Valo’s pilots, observers and passengers. The seats will incorporate the company’s proprietary 30G energy-absorption technology.

The 30G figure refers to acceleration equivalent to 30 times Earth’s gravity. Energy-absorbing seats are designed to manage forces transmitted to occupants during an impact, potentially reducing injury risks.

However, Vertical has not disclosed crash-test results for the finished Valo seating system. The supplier will still need to complete development, testing and certification before the seats enter production.

ANH holds European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) design and production organization approvals. These credentials allow the company to undertake approved aerospace design and manufacturing work, although they do not constitute certification of the new seats.

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