Vertical Aerospace Unveils Most Powerful and Advanced Full-Scale VX4 Prototype
UK-based Vertical Aerospace has unveiled its next generation full-scale VX4 prototype, reports a press release. It is the only eVTOL aircraft being designed and developed in Britain.
The next-gen VX4 is more powerful than its previous full-scale prototype, including an impressive 20 percent increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph, being the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.
This latest prototype already has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing as well as commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly. This can be viewed as a “mini certification” program. Vertical will then begin a flight trial program at the company’s Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.
The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical, commented, “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport and why this is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialisation as we continue to focus on achieving piloted flight.”
He continued, “While there is more to do, the support of our partners and our USD6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product.”
Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.
Dave Stepanek, Executive VP and Chief Transformation Officer of Bristow Group, remarked, “As one of the world’s largest helicopter operators, we’re excited to be collaborating with Vertical as they work to bring the VX4 to market. We are delighted to see the progress being made with this latest prototype.”
Dave Stepanek
Key new features:-
: Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise – 60 percent of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from world leading aerospace partners, up from 10 percent on the previous prototype.
: First use of battery designed and built for aviation – The battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, with rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources.
: Next generation propellers – Vertical’s new proprietary propellers are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to improve performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.
David Shilliday, VP and General Manager of Honeywell’s Urban Air Mobility division, said, “The VX4 is testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders join forces to pioneer the future of air mobility. This eVTOL benefits from the Honeywell Anthem flight deck and software, as well as a state-of-the-art fly-by-wire system.”
For more information
https://vertical-aerospace.com/
(Images: Vertical Aerospace)
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