Vertical will shortly begin a robust flight test programme, once the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued its Permit to Fly
Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) has unveiled its full-scale VX4 prototype electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.
The VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph ā the certification aircraftās intended cruising speed.
The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Verticalās propellers and proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UKās most advanced aerospace battery facility.
The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a āmini certificationā programme. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.
Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4ās flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test lessons learned from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.
Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical, commented: āOur goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.”
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