VertiJet VTOL gains composites manufacturing expertise from Spirit

Spirit AeroSystems Inc. (Wichita, Kan., U.S. and Belfast, Northern Ireland) and Skyworks Aeronautics (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the companies to pursue support for Skyworks defense and commercial platforms in the U.K and European marketplace.

Spirit’s Northern Ireland and Scotland operations will work collaboratively on detailed design activity to support Skyworks’ VertiJet, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), high-speed and long-range gyrodyne. This platform is capable of flying at projected speeds of up to 400 miles per hour (644 kilometers per hour), which is said to be two to three times faster than current operating helicopters.

According to Sir Michael Ryan, Spirit vice president for European space and defence, says the agreement with Skyworks continues Spirit’s commitment to grow its U.K. business. “We will be applying our engineering and technology leadership in advanced materials and ultralight structures to explore the design, testing and integration of lightweight and aerodynamically efficient technologies in support of Skyworks’ aircraft platforms, such as its VertiJet VTOL program for military and commercial use,” Ryan says. 

Skyworks Aeronautics focuses on the design and development of high-performance gyroplanes, using highly advanced technology and modern aerospace science, engineering and design methods. Skyworks Aeronautics has been developing manned and unmanned vertical lift gyroplane technologies for more than two decades.

“Spirit AeroSystems is a prominent leader in the aerospace industry with world-class design and manufacturing capabilities,” John E. Michel, Skyworks Aeronautics co-founder and CEO, says. “We cannot think of a better industry partner to help make the promise and potential of the VertiJet and other Skyworks-related platforms a tangible reality.”