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 an earlier prototype crash last year.
The latest prototype features enhanced power, improved efficiency, proprietary battery technology, and significantly more supplier-integrated components (60%), with initial ground tests completed and further propulsion system testing planned.
The company aims to complete type certification by the end of 2026, supported by $47 million in U.K. government grants and an additional $50 million committed by its founder, ensuring 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.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
