The manufacturer on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Verocel, a software verification and validation (V&V) company focused on the certification of aerospace software—with a particular focus on autonomous designs. Unlike competitors such as Archer Aviation or Joby Aviation, which plan to fly autonomous in the future, Wisk intends for its Gen 6 to fly itself at launch.

Verocel’s flagship offering, VeroTrace, assists manufacturers with software certification definitions, tracking, and submissions to the FAA. Wisk intends to use it to support Gen 6 certification, but it said the software may also be used in “future software development projects for Boeing.” In addition, more than 50 Verocel engineers based in Massachusetts and Poland will join Wisk.

“High-integrity software development is critical for our mission to certify an autonomous, electric aircraft, with V&V being a significant portion of the total software certification effort,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Verocel’s specialized and talented team will bring with them deep experience and rigor, helping to accelerate our autonomous certification project that is already well underway.”

According to Verocel, team members have extensive knowledge of Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, or DO-178C—a document used by regulators including the FAA, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Transport Canada to approve commercial aerospace software.

The company is part of several aerospace industry standards committees including a special committee within the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), the EUROCAE Working Group, and the FAA’s Overarching Properties Working Group. Over the course of 25 years and more than 160 projects, it has performed work for Boeing and GE Aerospace, among others.

“Not only is this a chance to directly apply our expertise to the certification of a groundbreaking technology, but this is also an incredible opportunity for Verocel talent to excel within Wisk and the broader Boeing ecosystem long term,” said Jim Chelini, president of Verocel.

Beyond V&V, Verocel also develops the safety computers used in the FAA’s Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), which is intended to improve the accuracy and availability of global positioning systems (GPS). WAAS allows an aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including vertical landings.

Wisk is staring down a more rigorous certification process than its competitors, and the acquisition of Verocel is intended to get the ball rolling faster. The manufacturer aims to introduce the Gen 6 before the end of the decade in markets such as Los Angeles and the Greater Houston Area, where it is developing a vertiport hub at Sugar Land Regional Airport (KSGR).

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The approval clears the way for Epic to begin deliveries in the region, including those for a 34 aircraft order from Brazil-based charter and fractional operator Avantto. Epic announced that it had entered into a long-term partnership with Avantto, reportedly “one of the largest operators in the private aviation market in Latin America,” in August.

Deliveries are expected to take place over five years with the first two E1000 GX aircraft scheduled to arrive by the end of December. The aircraft will be joining the Avantto fleet as part of the company’s fractional program.

“Over the last four months, Epic Aircraft has worked closely with the Brazilian regulators to achieve ANAC certification of the E1000 GX,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “This is a huge accomplishment in such a short time. We want to thank the FAA and ANAC for all their hard work. We are excited to launch our sales in Brazil and join Avantto in providing top-notch aviation solutions to the Latin American market.”

• READ MORE: We Fly: Epic Aircraft E1000 GX

The E1000 GX earned type certificate approval from the FAA in July 2021. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engine, the model boasts a top cruise speed of 333 knots, 1,560 nm range, and full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. It comes equipped with a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, Garmin GFC 700 automated flight control system, and a five-blade composite propeller from Hartzell.

Epic reported last week that the GX had received its flight into known icing (FIKI) certification from the FAA. According to the company, the FIKI modifications will be standard starting with the first aircraft delivered in 2024. Retrofit options will also be available for previously delivered certified aircraft, including the E1000 model.

The post Epic Aircraft Receives ANAC Approval for E1000 <i>GX</i> appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The system had received its certification under the FAA in August 2020, and under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2021.

Some aircraft already delivered into Brazil with the feature dormant may have it activated for use, along with new entrants imported into the country following the certification.

“Receiving ANAC certification for the Vision Jet’s Safe Return is a tremendous milestone for our Brazilian owners and operators,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are excited to continue offering this award-winning safety technology throughout the world.” 

• READ MORE: We Fly: Cirrus Vision Jet G2+

Cirrus has delivered more than 450 units of the SF50 to date, with 90 in 2022. Garmin International won the Robert J. Collier Trophy for Autoland in 2020, which has yet to be deployed in an actual emergency situation in any of its applications: the Piper M600/SLS Halo, the Daher TBM 940 and TBM 960, or the Vision Jet.

The post Cirrus Secures Brazilian Approval for Autoland System appeared first on FLYING Magazine.