Testing starts on Vertical’s most advanced eVTOL aircraft

These include the successful completion of propeller balancing that, along with spinning tests, measure the weight distribution of each propeller blade to ensure vibrations are minimised.

The company will next conduct powered, propulsion system testing of its most advanced powertrain, which includes proprietary battery packs capable of producing 1.4MW of peak power. 

These next tests involve anchoring the aircraft to prevent lift-off and running the engines at various power levels to measure thrust output, system integration, and structural integrity. 

The company will then move onto its so-called ‘wheels up’ phase with tethered flight tests before progressing to low-speed untethered flights, once it has been issued its Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In a statement, David King, chief engineer, Vertical Aerospace, said: “These tests are a crucial step forward in our mission to certify the VX4 and make a cleaner, quieter, and safer way of air mobility a reality. Every day we are seeing amazing progress from the team at our Flight Test Centre, each test providing valuable insights to help shape the next. We continue to work alongside our regulator to develop the safest and most advanced eVTOL aircraft in the world.” 

Vertical said its next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with a 20 per cent increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph, which is  the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed. 

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside partners including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol.