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 commenced ground testing a new, advanced full-scale prototype of its VX4 eVTOL air taxi, following a crash involving its initial prototype last year.
The new VX4 prototype features improved power, new propellers, proprietary battery technology, and significantly more third-party components, having already completed initial ground tests.
The company is progressing through rigorous testing phases, aiming for a U.K. CAA permit to fly and ultimately type certification by the end of 2026 with a safety target equivalent to commercial airliners.
Vertical Aerospace has secured substantial funding, including $47 million in U.K. government grants and a $50 million commitment from its founder, to support its testing and certification efforts 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.
