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Electric VTOL Capable Aircraft

The development of eVTOL and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platforms brings together the most advanced technologies in aerospace today — distributed electric propulsion, energy storage, automation, and digital connectivity. These new-generation aircraft are certified under evolving frameworks such as EASA SC-VTOL, where compliance depends on multidisciplinary integration and precise safety substantiation. Drawing on our prior background in Rolls-Royce Electrical, IDA brings first-hand experience in developing and certifying electric propulsion and power distribution systems, supporting manufacturers and system suppliers in turning novel architectures into certifiable products.

Our Activities on VTOL capable Aircraft
Systems Engineering

Our Systems Engineering services help define and control complex architectures involving multiple propulsion units, high-voltage power distribution networks, and energy management systems. For example, we have supported customers in defining and validating power distribution schemes for propulsors, ensuring balanced load management, fault containment, and system-level traceability in accordance with ARP-4754B. Acting as an independent partner, we help OEMs establish efficient system architectures, interface definitions, and development assurance frameworks that remain consistent across suppliers and disciplines.

Safety & Reliability Engineering

Through Safety & Reliability Engineering, we apply ARP-4761A methodologies to ensure that distributed propulsion and control architectures meet the stringent safety objectives of SC-VTOL.1309. Our engineers have extensive experience developing failure matrix for electric propulsion systems, analyzing fault paths, isolation of failures, and system degradation. We prepare FHA, PSSA, and SSA documentation, supported by Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to demonstrate that all critical failure conditions are correctly mitigated. Early-phase Intrinsic Hazard Analysis (IHA) further helps identify design vulnerabilities before they become embedded in the architecture.

Software Development

Our Software Development team supports the creation of DO-178C / ED-12C compliant software for propulsion and flight control systems, including power management, redundancy control, and flight automation logic. We define software plans, verification strategies, and independence structures, and can act as Software CVEs to help OEMs prepare for Stage-of-Involvement (SOI) reviews with certification authorities.

Product Security

With eVTOL aircraft relying on connected systems and ground interfaces, Product Security is an integral part of our assurance approach. We implement ED-202B / DO-326B, ED-203A / DO-356A, and ED-204A / DO-355 standards to safeguard both onboard communication networks and ground connectivity. Our services include Security Risk Assessments (SRA) and Plans for Security Aspects of Certification (PSecAC), ensuring alignment with EASA AMC 20-42 and integration of cybersecurity within the overall safety case.

By combining deep experience from Rolls-Royce Electrical with cross-disciplinary expertise in systems, safety, software, and security, IDA enables eVTOL manufacturers and system suppliers to build the next generation of electric, autonomous, and connected aircraft—bridging the gap between innovative design and full airworthiness certification.