Electric aviation specialist Vertical Aerospace has made significant progress with its VX4 eVTOL aircraft by completing the first piloted powered flight manoeuvres , improving the performance of the company’s electric aircraft.
The VX4’s new capabilities in powered flight
The tests were approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ), and included technical manoeuvres such as roll, yaw and point turn. These operations were carried out at low speed and altitude, to evaluate aerodynamic stability, battery energy efficiency and control characteristics under real flight conditions. Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies successfully led these manoeuvres at the company’s Flight Test Centre.
The VX4 flight test program follows a four-stage, progressive plan. In the first phase, the aircraft performed controlled hovering flights while anchored to the ground. Currently, in the “Thrust” phase, the eVTOL takes off and lands vertically, as well as performing controlled maneuvers using the lift generated by its propellers.
The next step, the “ Wingborne ” phase , will allow the aircraft to operate like a conventional aircraft, using its wings for flight. This stage will include flights beyond the boundaries of the airfield, simulating operational use conditions and bringing the VX4 closer to full certification.
The VX4 is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, with a top speed of 150 mph ( 241 km/h ) and a range of 100 miles ( 161 km ). It is also equipped with high-performance batteries capable of generating up to 1.4 megawatts of peak power.
The company holds over 1,500 orders from renowned customers such as American Airlines and Japan Airlines . Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK aerospace industry, Vertical Aerospace integrates the expertise of aviation leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus , together with partners such as Honeywell and Leonardo . This collaborative approach has enabled the company to develop advanced aerospace technology, with the aim of transforming air mobility by 2030.
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Source and photos: Vertical Aerospace
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