Vertical Aerospace has achieved a milestone with the successful test flight of its VX4 eVTOL. According to Vertical Aerospace, the program is expected to continue for several months, completing different stages that will involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds and demonstrating the transition from vertical to horizontal forward flight.
Vertical conducted its first flight tests with a pilot on board to prove it could meet the most stringent safety standards. To do this, Vertical Aerospace received regulatory approval in the form of a “Permit to Fly” from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely.
Vertical Aerospace Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, said: “This test represented the culmination of many months of preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honor and, a proud moment for us all.”
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, of Vertical, said: “This moment represents a small step for Vertical Aerospace, but it’s a giant leap forward for British aviation. For more than 100 years the UK has been a global leader in aviation and today, in the 21st century, Britain is leading the world in the development of zero carbon aircraft.”
Vertical said that it has already received over 1,400 conditional pre-orders from airlines, operators, lessors, and tourist groups including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Air Asia. American Airlines has recently committed to making a pre-payment for its first 50 deliveries of the VX4.