Bristol, UK-based Vertical Aerospace’s latest VX4 prototype has performed its first tethered piloted hover test as it begins the phase of flight testing.
The test aircraft flew while loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.
The tethered piloted flight took place after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued Vertical with a Permit to Fly for the prototype aircraft.
Vertical must submit documentation to the CAA to move through each flight test phase. The documentation covers safety protocols, engineering specifications and operational procedures.
Following these initial tethered flights, and with permission from the CAA the VX4 prototype will enter the next phase of testing. This phase will start with thrustborne flight testing to expand the flight envelope and progress to vertically take-off and landings, and low-speed flight maneuvers with lift generated by the propellers.
After this, the aircraft will be flight tested in conventional flight (CTOL) mode with the final test stage of piloted transition flight to follow.
Before the tethered flight test last week, the VX4 completed a ground test program which included propulsion system testing.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “The first tethered flight of our new VX4 prototype is the result of 14 months of hard work – taking this advanced aircraft all the way from design, through to development and now into the air.
“This moment is a testament to the skill and commitment of hundreds of talented colleagues in our business who have made our VX4 aircraft the best eVTOL out there.
“Everyone at Vertical Aerospace remains focused on achieving piloted transition as we continue to progress towards our ultimate goal of commercialization and creating a new legacy for aviation.”
The latest VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with a 20% increase in its power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph (240km/h) – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed. The production aircraft is designed to carry four passengers.
According to Bristol, UK-based Vertical it has 1,500 pre-orders of the VX4 worth US $6 billion, with customers including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow.
