Vertical Aerospace Flies Full-Scale Electric Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace has successfully flown its electric aircraft at Cotswold Airport in Kemble U.K.

The remotely controlled plane, powered solely by the battery-powered propulsion system, 
lifted, hovered, flew and landed.

The VX4 test aircraft reached speeds of just over 40 mph through a series of remotely piloted thrust-borne test flights.

“This is a very proud moment and a huge milestone for Vertical and our team, whose enormous dedication and hard work has made this possible,” said Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace.

Vertical’s partners include Honeywell, which is designing the aircraft control system, and Rolls Royce, also an investor in Vertical.

“The aircraft was remarkably easy to fly,” said Vertical’s chief test pilot Justin Paines. “It was rock-solid in stability and provided precise control even in demanding flight conditions such as hovering close to the ground. The aircraft leapt into a stable hover at lower rpm than expected, taking advantage of the ground effect cushion.”

Vertical Aerospace, founded in 2016, is building another aircraft to feature more advanced technology and is aiming for a certified aircraft by the end of 2026.
Three months ago, Vertical received design organization approval (DOA) from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).