Vertical Aerospace conducts initial airborne VX4 trial, first British company in 20 years to lift off with new aircraft
UK-based Vertical Aerospace reached a milestone over the weekend for its eVTOL VX4 development, when a piloted prototype first became airborne during a flight trial, reports a press release. This is the first British company in 20 years to lift off with a new aircraft.
This new development phase saw the piloted VX4 take flight from the ground under tethered conditions. The present program is expected to continue for several months, completing different stages which will involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds and demonstrating the transition from vertical to horizontal forward flight.
The release says, “Engineers and flight technicians watched on as Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, took to the controls for the aircraft’s maiden take-off which saw the eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lift the aircraft from the ground at hover-thrust, while tethered to the ground for safety.”
Paines, commented, “This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honour and a proud moment for us all.”
Pilot Justin Paines
The company, unlike a number of its competitors, decided to conduct its first flight trials with a pilot on board, to prove it could meet the most stringent safety standards. To achieve this, Vertical Aerospace received regulatory approval in the form of a “Permit to Fly” from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely.
The release continues, “The permit and the positive results of these early tests allow the teams at Vertical to progress confidently on their mission to certify the VX4 by 2025. It is hoped the aircraft will carry a pilot and four passengers and is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles with the ability to cruise at speeds of around 150 miles per hour, with a top speed of 200 miles per hour.”
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, of Vertical, said, “This moment represents a small step for Vertical Aerospace, but it’s a giant leap forward for British aviation. For more than 100 years the UK has been a global leader in aviation and today, in the 21st century, Britain is leading the world in the development of zero carbon aircraft.”
The company has already received over 1,400 conditional pre-orders from some of the world’s leading airlines, operators, lessors and tourist groups. Vertical recently announced that American Airlines has conditionally committed to make a pre-payment for its first 50 deliveries of the VX4.
Vertical Aerospace’s Six-Stage Flight Test Program
Vertical’s test program is supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, a UK government-industry program designed to promote transformative technology in air transport.
It is hoped the VX4 will be certified in 2025.
For more information
