Positive results of early tests allow the teams at Vertical to progress confidently on their mission to certify the VX4 eVTOL by 2025
Vertical Aerospace, a British company has begun test flights of a new aircraft, the first to do so in over 20 years, with its full-scale piloted prototype taking off last weekend.
Vertical has reached a major milestone as the company continues to make progress through its rigorous flight test program. The program will span several months, allowing the aircraft to fly higher and faster as well as demonstrating transition from vertical to horizontal forward flight.
Justin Paines, Chief Test Pilot, took the controls for the aircraft’s first take-off, which saw the eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lift the aircraft from the ground at hover-thrust while tethered to the ground for safety while Engineers and flight technicians watched on.
“This test represented the culmination of many months of preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honour and a proud moment for us all.” says Paines
Vertical Aerospace determined that it could satisfy the most rigorous safety standards by testing its aircraft with a pilot on board, in addition to conducting the tests. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a ‘Permit to Fly’ after demonstrating that the test could be done safely.
The aircraft is anticipated to transport a pilot and four passengers and travel up to 100 miles, travelling at up to 150 miles per hour, with a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
Some of the world’s leading airlines, operators, lessors and tourist groups, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Air Asia, have already pre-ordered over 1,400 VX4s. American Airlines recently announced that it will pre-pay for the first 50 deliveries, showing the industry’s confidence in the VX4.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, of Vertical, says Vertical Aerospace’s small step forward today is a big step forward for British aviation in the 21st century.
“For over 100 years, Britain has been a world leader in aviation, and today Britain leads the world in zero-emission aircraft development.” says Fitzpatrick
The Aerospace Technology Institute, a UK government-industry program designed to promote innovative air transport technology, supports Vertical’s testing program
Concurrently validating the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s anticipated type certification of the Vertical VX4 in April 2022, EASA agreed to make it possible for the eVTOL to operate in Europe by 2025.
