Vertical’s VX4 flying taxi takes to the UK skies for the first time
Vertical Aerospace’s first UK VX4 flight is part of its full-scale demonstrator electric aircraft testing and part of its certification by the Civil Aviation Authority aircraft, taking off and flying from the historic Cotswold Airport in Kemble and fully powered by electric battery packs.
The aircraft lifted, hovered, flew and landed by the thrust of the aircraft’s propulsion system and was powered only by Vertical’s proprietary battery packs. These aircraft are different to conventional planes as they take off vertically like helicopters, meaning they can be operated in city centres and do not require a runway.
They are safer, quieter and cleaner than conventional helicopters. The company is planning further flight tests over the coming months with this aircraft, moving towards piloted flight.
Vertical Aerospace claims the aircraft is on track to be the first civil airframe certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for decades, and will be a pioneer of zero emissions flight. Vertical is working with leading industrial partners such as Rolls-Royce, GKN and Honeywell to develop the VX4 and take it to market. Already the likes of American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic among others, have ordered these aircraft.
Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, commented: “The aircraft was remarkably easy to fly. It was rock-solid in stability and provided precise control even in demanding flight conditions such as hovering close to the ground.
“The aircraft leapt into a stable hover at lower rotation speed than expected, taking advantage of the ground-effect cushion. Battery temperatures and state-of-charge remained well within predictions for the duration of flights.”
In March, Vertical Aerospace secured the first ever Design Organisation Approval issued to an eVTOL manufacturer by the CAA for the VX4, which authorises Vertical to conduct design activities and issue design approvals.
