Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed Phase 2 of piloted thrustborne testing for its VX4 prototype, marking a major step toward the aircraft’s first wingborne flight.
This next phase will see the VX4 venture beyond Cotswold Airport’s controlled airspace into real-world operating conditions.
During this second phase of testing, the VX4 completed more than 30 piloted test flights, validating key performance metrics including stability, control responsiveness, and power efficiency.
Vertical reported no system failures and said the aircraft’s performance exceeded expectations. Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies described the VX4 as “just as stable and simple to fly as our simulations.”
He added: “This phase of testing allowed us to put the VX4 through key flight manoeuvres in real-world conditions, giving us valuable insights into its reliability and responsiveness under more demanding scenarios. The aircraft performed exceptionally, being just as stable and simple to fly as our simulations”.
The announcement adds to what has already been an eventful start to the year for Vertical. The company recently secured $90 million through an upsized public offering and appointed aviation veteran Dómhnal Slattery as Chair.
Vertical’s transition from a controlled test environment to more dynamic flight operations will require the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand the company’s Permit to Fly. If approved, the VX4 will shift from lift generated by its rotors to aerodynamic lift from its wings, mimicking conventional aircraft behavior.
The VX4 is designed as a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with zero operational emissions. Vertical claims to have around 1,500 pre-orders from major players including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Bristow.
Beyond certification, scaling up production and securing infrastructure for operations will be the next major hurdles for Vertical and the broader industry.
