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 model's crash last year.
The latest prototype features increased power (150 mph cruise speed), new propellers, proprietary battery technology, and utilizes significantly more components (60%) from external suppliers.
The company has completed initial ground testing and aims for type certification by the end of 2026, supported by continued U.K. government grants and a substantial commitment from its founder.
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.
