Vertical Aerospace’s air taxi prototype’s four front propellers tilt forward as it switches from hover to wingborne forward flight. [Credit: Vertical Aerospace]
Key Takeaways:
Vertical Aerospace became the first European company to complete a full transition flight with its full-scale prototype eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, Valo.
This piloted transition flight is a crucial milestone for eVTOL certification, positioning Vertical as a leading European competitor, especially as it was achieved under direct UK Civil Aviation Authority oversight.
Vertical Aerospace aims for concurrent UK and EU certification for Valo by 2028, with the design intended to be transferable to other global regulators.
The company has secured significant interest and conditional preorders, including up to 250 Valo aircraft from American Airlines, for planned use cases like city-to-airport transfers.
Leading American electric air taxi developers Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero are primed to contend with at least one European competitor.
U.K.-based Vertical Aerospace on Thursday revealed that it is the first European company to complete a full transition flight with a full-scale, prototype eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) model.
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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.
