Venetz Aerospace secures UK CAA design approval for electric propulsion

Venetz Aerospace has secured UK Civil Aviation Authority approval to design electric motors and propellers for uncrewed and crewed aircraft applications.

The Chichester-based company said it has received Part 21 Design Organisation Approval for electric motors and propellers, describing the milestone as the first UK approval of its kind.

The approval recognises Venetz Aerospace’s ability to design aviation products that meet UK Part 21 airworthiness regulations. The company said it is an important step as it works towards type certification for its electric propulsion systems, including motors, electronic speed controllers and propellers.

UK CAA approval for electric drone propulsion

Venetz Aerospace designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems for drones and uncrewed aircraft systems.

The company said type certification will be important in supporting more advanced drone operations, particularly where airworthiness assurance is needed for higher-risk missions.

Certified propulsion systems are expected to support UAS manufacturers targeting higher SAIL Specific Category operations and Certified Category use cases. These include heavier payload operations, larger aircraft and flights over populated areas, where regulatory requirements are more demanding.

Anthony Venetz, chief executive of Venetz Aerospace, said: “Receiving Design Organisation Approval from the CAA is a defining milestone for Venetz Aerospace.

“It validates the strength of our engineering capability, our processes, and our commitment to delivering propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

“This will be a key element for enabling large-scale, commercially viable, drone operations in the UK and internationally.”

Supporting certified UAS operations

Venetz Aerospace said the approval comes as UAS applications become more safety-critical and regulatory expectations increase.

The company said it is focusing on UK-designed and UK-built propulsion systems with a local supply chain, helping manufacturers and operators meet airworthiness and supply chain requirements.

Its integrated propulsion solution includes electric motors, electronic speed controllers and propellers designed for performance, efficiency and certifiable airworthiness.

While continuing work with the UK CAA on Part 21 type-certified products, Venetz Aerospace said it is already offering SAIL 4-capable and dual-use systems for civil and defence markets.