Vertical Aerospace has completed a second stage of piloted thrustborne testing of its VX4 prototype eVTOL.
The Bristol, UK-based company plans to test and certify the VX4 using a fleet of six test aircraft and for the eVTOL to enter into service in 2028.
Vertical recently delayed the entry into service of the VX4, which will be able to carry four passengers up to 100 miles (160km) at speeds of around 150mph (240km/h), by two years.
During the latest phase of testing the aircraft at Cotswold Airport completed over thirty piloted test flights, including hover and low-speed maneuvers, roll, yaw, and spot-turns. Engineers collected data on system reliability, thrust levels, lift efficiency, and control responsiveness. The aircraft exceeded expectations for stability and performance, experiencing no system failures.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace said, “This phase of testing has provided invaluable insights into our aircraft. Each milestone brings us closer to transforming global mobility, and we’re now preparing for the most advanced stage of testing yet.”
Simon Davies, chief test pilot at Vertical said, “This phase allowed us to test key flight maneuvers in real-world conditions. The VX4 performed exceptionally, proving stable and simple to fly, just as in our simulations. We’re excited to push the flight envelope further as we approach wingborne flight.”
The next phase of testing, wingborne flight will see the VX4 flown outside of the secure airspace of the airport.
Regulatory Approval
Before moving to wingborne flight, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must expand Vertical’s Permit to Fly. Once approved, the VX4 will take off, fly, and land like a conventional aircraft, generating lift via its wings instead of rotors.
Following wingborne testing, the final phase will focus on transition testing, demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to switch between vertical and forward flight modes.
In parallel, engineers Vertical will continue system and component testing and develop another full-scale prototype to accelerate the VX4’s flight test program.
The testing milestone follows the reappointment of Dómhnal Slattery as Vertical Aerospace’s Chair and the closing of a $90 million share offering to raise funds for development and testing. Former finance and aircraft leasing boss Slattery rejoins the company after resigning from the same post in March 2023.
