Vertical Aerospace, a leading technology and aerospace company, is innovating the aviation industry with its VX4 prototype. The latter recently carried out a piloted and detached vertical takeoff and landing for the first time, marking the start of Phase 2 of its flight test program. This achievement represents a significant step forward towards more sustainable air transport solutions.

Impressive performance of the VX4 prototype

The VX4 prototype, powered by cutting-edge batteries offering up to 1.4 MW peak powerexceeded all expectations in hover performance, control and stability. Tests will now focus on low-speed maneuvers, using the lift generated by the propellers. These tests take place at Flight Test Center at Cotswolds Airportin the United Kingdom.

Objectives of test flights

Test flights in lift mode aim to evaluate several critical aspects of the device:

• Device stability
• Battery saving
• Control Features
• Aerodynamic
• Structural and dynamic loads
• Performance at different speeds

These evaluations will provide a better understanding of the VX4’s behavior in real-world flight conditions, while ensuring compliance with the strictest safety and regulatory standards.

A key step in the testing program

This advancement marks an expansion of the VX4’s flight envelope, which had until now been limited to tethered hovering during Phase 1. Phase 2 was made possible by the expansion of the Permit to Fly granted by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). To obtain this extension, Vertical Aerospace submitted exhaustive documentation demonstrating the safety of the VX4 prototype under Phase 2 conditions, including:

• Systems and structure validations
• Phase 1 Results
• Flight test protocols
• Technical specifications
• Detailed operational procedures

Reactions from Vertical Aerospace executives

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s great to see the VX4 break free from the tethers and move on to the next phase of our piloted flight program. » He added that the team is excited about the progress being made and is committed to connecting communities through faster, cleaner and safer transportation.

Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, also shared his experience: “The device worked perfectly and was very stable when hovering. » He emphasized that everything on the aircraft worked well, making the test flight both memorable and without surprises.

Looking ahead: Phases 3 and 4

Vertical Aerospace is now preparing to enter Phase 3, which will involve flight testing in wing-generated lift mode. This crucial stage will focus on extending the transition envelope in a safe manner, starting with high speeds at high altitude. Phase 4 will involve the transition between lift and wing flight modes.

To accelerate its testing program, Vertical is also developing an identical full-scale prototype. Once assembled, this second prototype will make it possible to integrate the lessons learned from the flight tests into the design of the certified VX4 model.