Vertical's New VX4 Prototype Completes Phase 1 of Piloted Testing

Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation, has achieved another significant milestone. Its latest VX4 has completed the first phase of its piloted flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre.

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Vertical's Chief Test Pilot flys the latest VX4 prototype during phase one of its flight test programme in September. (Photo: Buiness Wire)

During Phase 1, the VX4 prototype conducted multiple piloted tethered flights and ground runs, across 20 piloted test sorties, completing a total of 70 individual test points. Together, these tests simulated various aspects of flight and operational situations needed to validate the prototype’s safety in real-world flight scenarios, including those outside of its expected operating conditions. By intentionally testing the aircraft's ability to handle failures, Vertical demonstrated the underlying safety of its design.

One of the most important tests successfully carried out included simulating the failure of one Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) – inoperative testing – while in piloted tethered flight, to ensure the aircraft responds correctly and continues to be safe while in flight conditions.

These tests have enabled Vertical engineers to collect and measure 35,000 flight and system parameters and verify that all systems are operating correctly and safely in different conditions ahead of further expanding the flight test envelope to piloted thrustborne flight.

Alongside Phase 1 testing, Vertical’s engineers also completed more advanced low and high-speed taxi tests, including deliberately failing EPUs at high taxi speeds to confirm controllability and safety. This verified ground handling characteristics throughout the taxi envelope, as well as aerodynamic characteristics for increasing speed, while in a safe, ground test environment.

Vertical is continuing to work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on expanding its Permit to Fly as it prepares for Phase 2 of testing which will see the VX4 prototype undergo piloted thrustborne flight tests.

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.