Snowdonia Aerospace Centre (SAC), a leading UK drone and soon to be eVTOL testing facility, has selected Aerovolt (partnering with Eaton) to provide multiple charging systems for aircraft development and future flight technologies, reports a press release.
Next month, Aerovolt is to install its certified smart charging system, using the AS6968 protocol currently used by a number of certified and in-development aircraft worldwide.
This will greatly expand the mission scope and operational ability of electric aircraft systems in the UK. Aerovolt are presently involved with close to 70 British regional and medium sized airports on smart charging installations for new electric aircraft, with a number already completed.
The install will also feature the first thermal runway detection system for airside charging facilities using a bespoke wireless thermal monitoring and alarm system.
SAC is also planning the UK’s first eVTOL vertiport facility following newly introduced CAA guidelines last month, further developing the framework for the upcoming AAM market.
The release explains, “The vertiport portal will support automated take-off, landing and terminal area manoeuvring of drones and eVTOL aircraft. SLiNK-TECH are also in discussion with policy experts from the CAA to use the vertiport to capture eVTOL noise and rotor downwash data as part of certification testing for this new class of air vehicle.”
A combination of the Aerovolt electric charging system and the SLiNK-TECH Portal, along with an existing Permanent Airspace Danger Area and in-house Air Navigation Service Provision, will position the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre as the premier flight test centre for eVTOLs in the UK.
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