Vertical Aerospace's VX4 achieves major milestone as financial challenges continue

Despite needing to raise capital to fund operations, Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace which is pushing the boundaries of electric, zero-emissions aviation, has announced its “Flightpath 2030,” strategy for market leadership before the end of the decade.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: "“This is a transformational moment for Vertical as we advance from prototype to production. Since I became CEO, I’ve been clear that I want Vertical to lead — not just compete in — the eVTOL sector.

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"The strategy and goals we unveiled today provide a new level of detail on how exactly we intend to get there – the best team, delivering the safest and most versatile aircraft, with the most compelling business model in the industry.”

The company is also celebrating its latest full scale VX4 prototype achieve piloted, untethered vertical take-off and landing for the first time as Phase 2 of its flight test programme begins.

The VX4 prototype, powered by battery packs delivering up to 1.4 MW of peak power, surpassed expectations in hover performance, control, and stability. Testing will now progress to low- speed manoeuvres using lift generated by the propellers at its Flight Test Centre at Cotswolds Airport near Cirencester. 

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, added: “It’s great to see the VX4 throw off the tethers and move to the next phase of our piloted test flight programme. We now enter a realm that very few companies in the world have achieved. Our team is thrilled with the significant strides we continue to make with the VX4 prototype as we expand our learnings and take another step towards connecting communities with faster, cleaner and safer travel.”

Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, who flew the VX4 prototype, said: “The aircraft performed absolutely brilliantly, and was really stable in the hover. The flight controls felt good, and it’s great to have the tethers off. Everything on the aircraft worked perfectly - no surprises, nice and boring - a great test flight. Definitely my favourite and most memorable flight in thousands of flight hours, but my job was really easy - standing on the shoulders of giants! So proud of our team.”