Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is ‘pioneering zero-emission aviation’, recently unveiled its next-generation full-scale VX4 prototype, which the company says is the only electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK. This next-generation eVTOL is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, offering a 20% increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph — the certification aircraft’s intended cruising speed.
The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners that include GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo, and Syensqo. It features Vertical Aerospace’s next-generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology; the latter being designed and manufactured at the company’s multi-million pound ‘state of the art’ Vertical Energy Centre, near Bristol.
With the new VX4 prototype having successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning, Vertical Aerospace 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. Vertical will then begin a ‘robust flight test programme’ at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.
World-leading technologyThe company is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype, which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. It will take flight-test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.
Vertical Aerospace’s CEO Stuart Simpson said: “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.
“This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialisation; and while there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our product. We are excited to start our robust, test-flight programme at our Flight Test Centre as we continue our focus on achieving piloted flight.”
Dave Stepanek, Bristow Group’s executive vice president, chief transformation officer, concluded: “As one of the world’s largest helicopter operators, we are excited to be collaborating with Vertical as it works to bring the VX4 to market. We are delighted to see the progress being made with this latest prototype.”