Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company, has unveiled its latest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype aircraft. (eVTOL)the VX4, developed and assembled entirely in the United Kingdom. This new model promises greater power and efficiency compared to its predecessors and is ready to begin flight testing with the aim of perfecting its performance.
Track record and success of the company
Since its founding, Vertical has been noted for its strategic alliances with aerospace leaders such as GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo. These collaborations have been instrumental in the development of patented battery and propeller technologies, essential pillars of the VX4. This prototype is the fifth in the company’s development pipeline and has generated significant customer interest.
Vertical’s success is reflected in the 1,500 pre-orders it has received for the VX4, valued at $6 billion. Customers include aviation giants such as Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow, one of the world’s largest helicopter operators. This endorsement underscores the industry’s confidence in Vertical’s proposition.
The VX4 glided, flew and landed powered only by the thrust of the battery-powered system. Source: Vertical Aerospace via Youtube
Certification and future flight testing of the VX4
The company has recently initiated a “mini certification program” with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which will enable it to begin flight testing of its VX4 prototype. This model is the first to incorporate battery technology developed at its Vertical Energy Center in Bristol, marking an achievement in the company’s innovation.
The VX4 is Vertical’s most advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to date, with a power-to-weight ratio improved by 20%. This enables a maximum cruise speed of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a range of 100 miles (161 km) on a single charge, carrying four passengers and a pilot. In addition, 60% of the technology and components of this model come from its aerospace partners, highlighting the integration and collaboration in its design.
Vertical Aerospace and the CAA
The company’s chief executive officer, Stuart Simpson, said the company’s goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transportation.. This prototype, the result of a combination of proprietary technology and leading partners, represents a crucial step towards certification and commercialization. With a $6 billion order backlog, Vertical is preparing for an ambitious flight test program at its Flight Test Center.
Going forward, Vertical will continue to work closely with the CAA to obtain the necessary permits and begin a robust eVTOL flight test program in the UK. In addition, the company is developing an identical full-scale prototype to accelerate the testing process and move towards certification and development of the VX4 model for commercial operations.
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Source and photo: electrek
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