Vertical Aerospace chief test pilot Justin Paines sits in the cockpit of the company’s VX4 air taxi during propeller testing. [Courtesy: Vertical Aerospace]
Key Takeaways:
Vertical Aerospace has resumed testing a new, more advanced full-scale prototype of its VX4 eVTOL air taxi, following a previous prototype's damage last year during an uncrewed flight due to a pylon failure.
The latest prototype is more powerful, capable of 150 mph, features new propellers, proprietary battery technology, and incorporates 60 percent of its components from external suppliers, with initial ground testing already completed.
The company aims to achieve type certification by the end of 2026, supported by $47 million in U.K. government grants and a $50 million commitment from its founder to ensure liquidity through mid-2025.
U.K.-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi manufacturer Vertical Aerospace is back to testing aircraft.
The manufacturer has begun ground testing a new, more advanced full-scale prototype of its flagship VX4 air taxi after an initial prototype was damaged during an uncrewed flight test last year.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
