Imagine the electrical panel in your house, but for an airplane — it decides which systems get power and how much. Now imagine replacing all those old-fashioned mechanical switches with smart electronic ones that react instantly and weigh far less. That's what INDIS built: a compact, intelligent power distribution box running at 270 volts DC for small planes and helicopters. It manages power demand automatically, so the aircraft can carry less equipment while keeping everything running safely.
Small aircraft and helicopters use heavy, outdated electrical distribution systems based on mechanical contactors that are slow, failure-prone, and inefficient. As aviation moves toward more-electric and hybrid aircraft, these legacy systems cannot handle higher voltages or optimize power demand intelligently. Aircraft manufacturers need lighter, smarter power distribution that reduces installed weight while improving reliability.
INDRA built a compact 270Vdc electrical power distribution system (n-EPDS) featuring smart electronic contactors, high-power solid-state switches, and an intelligent power management system. Two physical prototype units were manufactured, tested internally, and delivered to integration rig tests with acceptance documentation.
If you are a small aircraft manufacturer struggling with heavy, bulky electrical distribution systems — this project developed a 270Vdc high-voltage power distribution unit with smart solid-state contactors that eliminates traditional mechanical switches. The result is lighter weight, faster switching response, and intelligent power management across your aircraft's electrical loads.
If you are an aviation MRO or systems integrator dealing with aging mechanical contactors that require frequent maintenance — this project built smart electronic contactors (E-HVContactor) and high-power solid-state switches (HVHP-SSPC) that replace traditional electromechanical parts. Fewer moving parts means lower maintenance costs and higher reliability in the field.
If you are developing electric or hybrid air taxis and need efficient power distribution at 270Vdc — this project created a compact electrical power distribution system with built-in intelligent power management (IPMS) that optimizes power demand and handles load shedding automatically. Two working prototypes were delivered and tested on integration rigs.
The project does not disclose licensing costs or unit pricing. INDRA SISTEMAS is a major Spanish aerospace supplier, so commercial terms would be negotiated directly. Given the certified aerospace context, expect pricing typical of qualified avionics equipment.
INDRA manufactured two prototype units plus subassemblies for testing and rig integration. As a certified aeronautical supplier with manufacturing capability, INDRA has the infrastructure for production scaling, but current outputs are prototype-level. Moving to serial production would require additional qualification steps.
INDRA SISTEMAS is the sole consortium partner, so IP ownership is straightforward — it sits entirely with INDRA. The project was funded under CleanSky2, which may impose certain access rights for the topic manager. Any licensing would go through INDRA directly.
The system was delivered to the Topic Manager's rig test facility for integration activities and testing. This means it has been validated in a representative test environment, though not yet flight-tested on an actual aircraft. The deliverable confirms physical prototype delivery including acceptance test reports.
INDRA is described as a consolidated and certified aeronautical supplier according to aeronautical and international standards. The project included preliminary Design Definition Package (DDP) and Acceptance Test Reports (ATR) with the prototype delivery, indicating compliance-oriented development.
The project ran for 4 years (2017–2021) and is now closed. Two prototypes were delivered to integration rigs. The technology would need further qualification and certification steps before entering production service.
This is a single-company project: INDRA SISTEMAS, a major Spanish aerospace and defense firm, executed the entire effort alone. With no university or research institute partners, the project is 100% industry-driven, which signals strong commercial intent — INDRA built this to add to its own product line, not as an academic exercise. However, the lack of external partners also means limited independent validation. INDRA brings certified aeronautical supplier status and end-to-end capability from design through manufacturing and testing.
INDRA SISTEMAS SA is a publicly listed Spanish company — reach their aerospace division through standard corporate channels or aerospace trade events.
Want an introduction to the INDIS team at INDRA? SciTransfer can arrange a direct briefing on the technology and licensing options.
