Bristol's Vertical Aerospace completes first phase testing on VX4 prototype

Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace, the tech company pioneering electric, zero-emissions aviation, said it had completed Phase 1 of piloted testing on its new VX4 prototype at the Vertical Flight Test Centre.

The aircraft conducted multiple piloted tethered flights and ground runs, across
20 piloted test sorties, completing a total of 70 individual test points.

READ MORE: Vertical Aerospace conducts first successful flight of its electric aircraft

The tests have enabled its engineers to measure 35,000 flight and system parameters and verify that all systems are operating correctly and safely ahead of further expanding the flight test envelope to piloted thrustborne flight, the firm said.

Vertical is continuing to work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on expanding its Permit to Fly as it prepares for Phase 2 of testing, which will see the prototype undergo piloted thrustborne flight tests.

"It took us just one week to go from our first ground test to our chief test pilot flying the VX4, and we have been making outstanding progress since then," said CEO of Vertical Aerospace, Stuart Simpson.

"We continue to prove the safety and performance of our design and technology, which we believe to be market leading.

"Completing this first phase of testing is a significant feat for any eVTOL company and shows the strength of our aircraft, team, and our partners as we progress through our flight test programme and head towards our goal of creating a better way to travel."

The next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, boasting a 20% increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

Vertical has 1,500 pre-orders of the VX4 worth US$6bn, with customers across four continents, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow.

The firm was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of the OVO Group, Europe’s largest independent energy retailer.