The VX4, electric winged aircraft winged electric aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace, successfully completed a piloted flight in open airspace. This event, conducted from Cotswold Airport, marks the first time a winged eVTOL aircraft, under human control, has operated outside of a restricted test environment.
A firm step towards commercial certification
The maneuver was approved by the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which thoroughly assessed the aircraft’s technical and safety documentation. This authorization extends the previously granted permission to fly and brings Vertical one step closer to obtaining the required type certificate for passenger transport.
During the test, the VX4 operated in “wingborne” mode, generating aerodynamic lift through its wings, which allowed it to fly like a conventional airplane. This flight mode, besides being silent and efficient, is vital to make the sustainable air mobility model promoted by Vertical viable.
Engineering validated in real conditions
The operation was led by Simon Davies, chief test pilot, who highlighted the aircraft’s stability, sensitivity and low noise level. The engineering team collected more than 30,000 parameters during the flight, confirming optimal control and energy consumption performance. This phase is part of a four-stage campaign that includes stationary flight, propeller flight, wing flight and mode transitions.
The program has been supported by UK government initiatives such as the Future Flight Challenge and the Aerospace Technology Institute. In addition, companies such as Honeywell, Bristow Group and American Airlines, which are actively involved in the development of the VX4have reaffirmed their confidence in the project and its impact on zero-emission aviation. emission-free aviation..
Strategic vision towards 2030
This development aligns with Vertical Aerospace’s Flightpath 2030 roadmap, which aims to consolidate safe and sustainable commercial operations. The company has received more than 1,500 orders for its aircraft in markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia, demonstrating the growing demand for environmentally friendly environmentally friendly and quiet and silent air transport alternatives.
The next challenge for Vertical will be to execute the full transition flight, in which the aircraft will alternate between vertical takeoff and winged cruise, scheduled for the second half of 2025.
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Source and photo: Vertical Aerospace
