Flying Vehicle Company Completes Piloted Flight Tests

Vertical Aerospace, an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle maker, has completed the first phase of its piloted flight test program with its VX4 flying vehicle.

This was the first phase of multiple piloted tethered flights conducted at the Vertical Flight Test Center in the U.K.

The next set of tests involves taking off and landing vertically and low-speed flight maneuvers with lift generated by the propellers.  

“It took us just one week to go from our first ground test to our chief test pilot flying the VX4, and we have been making outstanding progress since then,” said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. “We continue to prove the safety and performance of our design and technology, which we believe to be market- leading. Completing this first phase of testing is a significant feat for any eVTOL company and shows the strength of our aircraft, team and our partners as we progress through our flight test program and head towards our goal of creating a better way to travel.” 

Vertical is coordinating with the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand its Permit to Fly as it prepares for phase two testing, where the VX4 prototype is expected to undergo piloted thrust-borne flight tests. 

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Related:Vertical Aerospace Flies Full-Scale Electric Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace recently received funding of $50 million from Stephen Fitzpatrick, the company founder who stepped down as CEO earlier this year.

The Vertical full-scale piloted VX4 prototype is being developed at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Center in the U.K. 

Vertical Aerospace flew its electric aircraft uncrewed at Cotswold Airport in Kemble U.K.

Vertical’s partners included Honeywell, which is designing the aircraft control system, and GKN Aerospace, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. 

Rolls Royce, an original investor in Vertical, late last year decided to leave the electric flight business and put its advanced electric propulsion systems business up for sale.

Vertical is developing a full-scale prototype to accelerate the VX4’s flight test program, with flight test learnings from both prototypes factored into the design of the certified VX4.

The electric aerial vehicle (EAV) maker is building its flying vehicle to feature more advanced technology and is aiming for certification by the end of 2026. Vertical has already received design organization approval from the CAA.